Thing 05: Presentation Tools

Having a class set of ChromeBooks in my classroom has opened up a world of opportunities for me!  But unfortunately, I never seem to have the time or the know how on how to best incorporate digital tools and platforms in my classroom.  I have a pretty good grasp on all things Google, but outside of that, I am lost! Today, I had the opportunity to explore some new tools ("yay" screams the nerd in me!)  First, I clicked on Prezi.  But, there is a fee to use it, so that was that.  Next, I tried Bunkr, but it appears that they have merged with another company and are no longer providing the services they used to??  I played around with Carnival Slides-cute, but nothing special.  My students might like it for more slide options on Google Slides, but nothing to write home about.  Finally, I found something that I think it pretty awesome, fun and versatile.  We'll see if my students say the same thing.  I explored Buncee.  It was actually a lot of fun to create and I cam picture many, many units that it will fit in to.  Two down sides...it looks like if you want to grant access to a group of people (aka students), that there is a fee.  I'm hoping students could log in on their own and use it without doing so under my name so I wouldn't have to pay for it.  And, if my students are anything like me, they will spend more time with the decorating, stickers and animations than they will on the content.
Here is my creation! Enjoy!
My Buncee

Thing 04: Digital Storytelling

Timelines-Useful for every content area!  I struggled at first to find a Timeline Tool that was useful and appropriate for Spanish.  First I tried Timeline JS which was COMPLETELY user UNfriendly.  I felt like I needed a PhD in computer programming to figure that one out.  There were fields and links and Sources and lots and lot of crying.  Okay, well maybe I didn't actually cry, but I did consider it.

After that experience, I went on the the Teachnology Timeline generator that claims "No frills!"  It delivered on its promise.  It was extremely easy to use, but when I tried to use Spanish accents and symbols, it was unable to produce them and it ended up looking like an (even more than usual) foreign language.  Not to mention I couldn't figure out how to add photos and videos.  It was THAT low on the frill totem pole.  BOOOOORING!

Finally, I found my timeline soul mate.  ReadWriteThink.Org had a timeline that was both easy to use in general, but also had the ability to insert the symbols and photos that I desired,  In Spanish II, we cover daily routines (waking up, showering, brushing teeth, etc.) and we also cover past tenses (I fell, I broke my ankle, I went to the hospital, etc.).  Timelines are a simple, efficient way for students to show that they understand both the vocabulary and the grammar.  High five for this tool!

(My husband teaches social studies, and I couldn't help but brag and show him how useful this could be for him, too!)