Artifacts

Inspiration Web

What is an Inspiration Web?

Inspiration is a software program that incorporates visual learning and technology.  The main use of this program is to create and manipulate graphic organizers to assist learning.  Students can use pre-made templates or create brand new organizers on their own.  The addition of graphics, colors, shapes and other accessories, makes Inspiration a useful and engaging tool.  It is recommended for grades 6 through 12, however an alternate version called Kidspiration is a great fit for younger students.  Visit the Inspiration Website for more details about this product.

How can Inspiration be used in the classroom?

Inspiration is an excellent tool to use in all content areas.  Graphic organizers can be used during reading to organize thoughts, as a review for an assessment, as assessments themselves to check for student learning, and much more.  Students are eager to share information in a graphic organizer, especially in a computer-based, high interest format.  While I have not personally used Inspiration as a teaching tool, I have used Kidspiration on many occassions.  My students enjoy encorporating it into their writing process and are excited to showcase their work. 

See how the use of Inspiration links to the ISTE NETS Standards.

Below is an Inspiration web I created based on the principles of Lev Vygotsky.

Podcast

What is a podcast?

A podcast is a digital media file that is recorded onto a computer meant to be played back by a media player or a computer.  There are all types of podcasts available online for download, from musical, educational, entertainment, news, and even clips from tv or radio shows.  The name Podcast comes from the use of Apple's iPod, however podcasts can be played in many ways.  A few ways podcasts can be created easily are listed below:

-Odeo Studio:  A website that is free to join that makes podcasting easy.  Just sign up, record your podcase with a simple push of a button and even publish on a website!  The process takes less than 5 minutes!

-Gabcast:  Don't have a computer or microphone?  Record your podcasts on the phone with Gabcast.com.   You are given a toll-free number to call to record up to 60 minutes per podcast.  While they do offer a free package, there are some limitations.

How can podcasts be used in the classroom?

Podcasts are a great alternative to standard activities and assessments.  Students can use podcasts to share information with other students both in their class and in schools around the world.  It is an excellent form of assessment; students are able to record information they have learned and explain things in their own words.  Podcasts can be useful for all grades and ages.  Students who are not yet able to write, or have difficulty with fine motor skills, are able to orally explain things they could not write on their own.

See how the use of podcasts links to the ISTE NETS Standards.

Click here to hear a podcast I created as a review for the software program, Imagination Express:  Destination Rainforest.

Microsoft PowerPoint

What is Microsoft PowerPoint?

Microsoft PowerPoint is a software program that allows you to create slideshow presentations.  These presentations can be enhanced by adding sounds, transitions, images, animations, charts and more.  The slideshows can be played automatically or by clicking the mouse.  Once finished creating a presentation, the slideshow can be printed out.

How can Microsoft PowerPoint be used in the classroom?

PowerPoint can be used in two main ways:  by the teacher and by the student.  Teachers can use PowerPoint as an instructional tool.  It allows for the content to be shown to students without having to write on the board.  This allows the teacher to be constantly circulating the classroom instead of having her back to the class.  PowerPoint also permits sound files, images and movies to be added to the presentations.  This allows for more authentic learning, as students can actually see and hear what the teacher is talking about.  It adds variety to the learning styles being addressed during each lesson.  Students can also create PowerPoints.  They can be used as way to show what they have learned during a unit of study.  PowerPoints can then be shown to other students to pass on the information in an engaging way.

 See how the use of PowerPoint links to the ISTE NETS Standards.

Click here to see the PowerPoint I created to use in my classroom for Back-To-School Night.

WebQuest

What is a WebQuest?

According to Wikipedia.com, "a WebQuest is a research activity in which students read, analyze and synthesize information using the World Wide Web.  WebQuests were invented by Bernie Dodge and Tom March at San Diego State University in 1995."  WebQuests guide students through websites and online activities as a learning process.  Students follow the directions provided on the WebQuest to link to additional websites and complete assignments using the information they find.

How can WebQuests be used in the classroom?

WebQuests are an excellent classroom tool that can be used in a variety of ways.  WebQuests can be used as a primary teaching tool, introducing a topic, providing opportunities to research and projects to show understanding.  WebQuests can also be used a supplemental activities to support other classroom lessons.  Students can work on WebQuests independently or in small groups.  WebQuest.org is an excellent site for finding WebQuests to use in the classroom.

 See how the use of WebQuest links to the ISTE NETS Standards.

Click here to see a WebQuest I created with the assistance of two classmates.