Journal 9 NETS-T 1

I read an analyzed an article relating to technology in education, and I provided a summary/response to it, along with proposed questions and answers.

Ferrell, K. (2010). A book report your students will love. Learning & Leading with Technology, Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-december-january-2010.aspx

Summary:  Book reports are a common assignment in school, and I think we can all agree that they were usually a pretty mundane task.  Keith Ferrell, a teacher, proposes a more creative way of completing these reports.  His inspiration was from when he was in school, and his teacher allowed the students to deliver their book reports in any way they like.  He and his partner decided to do a puppet show.  He has always remembered how fun this was, and has now brought it into his classroom.  To get his students interested in the book report, he has them create trailers for them.  Through Microsoft Word they first create a table, making a story board that lists the different aspects of the book they find interesting and key topics.  They then add flickr photos that match the key elements to the book.  Lastly, they use Windows MovieMaker to create the trailers. They upload their photos and create transitions, along with adding music.  Through this project they not only learn about their book, but also learn skills on Word, Flickr, Windowns MovieMaker, and SoundzAbound.  On viewing day the students eat popcorn while watching all of their trailers.  They have the opportunity to reflect on each others work and have some fun.

Q1:  Is this project solely useful for book reports?

A1:  No!  This style of project could be incorporated into many different fields of education.  History classes could create trailers on different historical events, or people.  Chemistry students could create a trailer about an experiment they conducted, or on some of the different elements.  Also, art students could make a trailer on a specific artist, type of art, or style.  The possibilities are endless.

Q2:  Would it be expensive to create these types of projects?

A2:  Although this assignment does require computer usage, most teachers can allocate class time for library use,  Students also have access to the school computers throughout school hours.  The programs used like Flickr and Windows Movie Maker are free, but students must be cautious to cite their sources.  This is always a good habit to practice.