The Instant Poetry Forms website allows students to select the type of poems that they want to create, type in a few words, and generate poetry. Now, I know that this website doesn't give a complete overview of all that poetry can be (isn't that a daunting task?) but it does give reluctant writers a great starting point. These poems can be altered with the addition of figurative language, strong verbs, more imagery during the revision process, to make them sound less manufactured. This website would also be great for younger learners who are just starting out with poetry. This website also deserves some recognition for introducing students to a variety of poetic forms--not just standard rhymed couplets. I personally recommend the William Carlos Williams tribute that spoofs "This Is Just to Say."
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The IPEVO p2v camera seems like a wonderful (not to mention cost-effective) option when compared to pricier document cameras, such as the Smart document camera or the Elmo. It's only $69 and is compatible with both Macs and PCs. It can function as a webcam or a document camera. It hooks up to your computer via USB port, and it can be clipped to your computer, hand held, or attached to a stand for use. Watch the embedded video below to see it in action. This piece of equipment seems very user-friendly, even for reluctant technology users. It also comes with an auto-focus button, which is sure to come in handy. This camera is only a few dollars more than most presentation mice, and way cheaper than a replacement bulb for your projector! This would be a great way for me to save some trees. Instead of photocopying all of my bellringer activities, I can simply set one copy under the camera and project the image onto my board. From the reviews I've seen online, the picture quality rivals that of more expensive document cameras. The only downside seems to be that the software that comes with this camera does not allow you to record presentations, although this may be possible with additional software. Note: Since the original posting, I have had success using the IPEVO to create screencasts using Screenr. Read Ladybug's Teacher Files blog post about the IPEVO p2v HERE UPDATE: View my screencast of the IPEVO camera HERE. One of the reasons that I love my Smartboard is that, because it is touch-sensitive, I'm not stuck with using a specific pen in order to manipulate the screen. Now, nine times out of ten, that wouldn't matter. BUT, when you factor in the fun of throwing a koosh ball at the screen, it matters a lot! I recently became aware of some of the already created Koosh ball templates available on Smart Exchange that allow users to throw a ball at the board in order to trigger a review question. The Koosh ball file works something like this: The first page of the file is a plain background covered with circles. The student throws a Koosh ball at the board and, depending on which circle is hit, it activates a question that the teacher has typed into the template. The students love being given permission to throw something at the board, and the teacher loves that students are volunteering to answer questions. Everyone is happy! But why stop there? Why not employ other devices to use with the Smartboard: paint brushes, pointers, fly swatters? I recently saw a colleague create a lesson where her students used a toothbrush to reveal questions about hygeine. Note: For more Smart Board resources, visit my Smart Board page HERE. Mr. Picassohead allows you to create art in the style of Pable Picasso using a simple drag-and-drop interface to add eyes, nose, mouth, etc. There are also options to customize the size and color of each items. I used this website with my English I students during a unit on the novel Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. The protagonist of the story enjoys her art class, and the author makes references to many well-known painters; this was a great way to incorporate a little art history into my English lesson. Of course, this would also work well for a unit on symbolism (create a picture that symbolizes a particular emotion) or just for creating interesting art to showcase on a website. This Jackson Pollack website allows the user to digitally throw paint at the canvas, but without the mess! Each time you click your mouse, it changes the color; otherwise, have fun running your mouse across the screen to create random paint splotches. This is so much fun with a Smartboard! Note: The only downside is that I haven't figured out a way to save the finished product, unless I use a screen capture (Ctrl+Print Screen) and then paste and crop it in another program. (This could also be done with Awesome Screenshot as long as I'm using Google Chrome.) Mondrimat allows you to create abstract art in the style of Piet Mondrian. Click on the screen to create various blocks. Then click on the segmented block to choose between colors: red, white, black, yellow, or blue. Storybird allows students to create their own online books with professional artwork. Students can browse from a collection of illustrations offered, and use them as inspiration for writing an original story. Creating a book is very user-friendly; simply drag-and-drop illustrations and then add your own text. There is also an option to invite collaborators to create a book with you, so students can work in groups, or work with their parents. Students can also view and comment on "published" public storybirds, and send their finished stories to others. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Storybirds are short, art-inspired stories that are curiously fun to make, share, and read. Teachers love them because they inspire their most reluctant writers and readers and reward their most adventurous. Kids adore them because they feel empowered by the tools and supported by the social feedback. --from Storybird's website _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Storybird Quick Tour from Storybird on Vimeo. |
AuthorDr. Jessica Pilgreen, Ed.D. Archives
December 2020
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