Collaboration Tools
Nearpod’s Collaborate feature brings a wonderful solution for teachers looking to add an interactive discussion board to their Nearpod live lessons. While other tools, namely Paldet, might exist to achieve this functionality, it always great to see EdTech companies listen to its subscribers and audience. Seesaw and Flipgrid fit into this category.
Many who know me, know how much I love the free tools, and often overlook ‘Freemium.’ However, with Nearpod, I was able to see immediate benefits for the classroom and purchased Gold ($120) for our grade five teachers and students.
Have you tried the new feature? What are your thoughts?
As always, I would love to read about your experiences with this interactive feature.
David
Using Asynchronous Video to connect, collaborate and share with a Global Audience. (Flipgrid)
Student Artefacts
Captain James Cook
“Learn more about Captain Cook with my 30-seconds video. I wanted to show my research.”
Manya – Grade
Mathew Flinders
“We did a 30 second video to help us get ready for our end of unit summative assessment, and I did Mathew flinders.” Bridie – Grade 4
Isabella Bird
“We researched explorers. Learn more about Isabella Bird.”
Suhlim – Grade 4
ChatterPix Kids is a photo-editing app that allows students to make photographs talk.
Getting started:
- 1. Take a photo or choose one from the camera roll.
- 2. Draw a line on the photo for the mouth.
- 3. Record a 30-second recording.
Students can then add stickers, text and a border to enhance the photo.
Completed projects can be exported to the camera roll.
Student Artefacts
Above: Students from K-4 apply their existing knowledge to generate new ideas and create products as a means of expression.
Students at Seisen are using digital technology tools and devices to create artefacts and products. It allows them to demonstrate creative thinking and their construction of knowledge.
Interactive Presentation Tools
Animaker and Powtoon: Both tools have animated characters, objects, and other background effects. Slightly limited, but still great for teachers and students to get the message across, and use some pretty complex technologies. You can upgrade to unlock more; including images, or your own music! Both applications are always adding cool new features. Another strength of the tools, free or paid, is you can export your video, including to YouTube. Great when uploading to Weebly.
When making decisions for tools, I like to consider the following: pricing and plans, features, and ease of use. With that said, when it comes to prices and plans, specifically the free and least expensive plans – around $12-$19 per month, Animaker is slightly better for getting started as an animator. In terms of features and ease of use, both are very similar but with just a few small differences between them and it is the task-in-hand. For example: If having more control over a character’s actions and movements is most important, then Animaker is the best option for you. However, if having more choices when it comes to templates is most important, then PowToon is the best option. The bottom line is that both Animaker and PowToon are excellent platforms for building engaging animated videos – it would be hard to say which one is the ‘best one.’
Teacher Testimonials
- How have the technology devices you have access to uniquely helped you achieve your learning goals?
- Are there examples of student work or innovative strategies that you can highlight?
- What opportunities have you had to connect with teachers and students outside of your school – as a result of the technologies or support and PD?