Animation the way to journal

I received an email from a friend that included the most marevelous animation sho rt "Pigeon Impossible" It looked like it was made by a group of college kids. It looked julst like the Disney Pixtar animated videos. There was no sound, yet the graphics were and very little words were so captivating that one hardly noticed they were not present. When I showed it to my class, then asked them to respond--they went wild with words of enthusiasim.Everyone was able to tell the story, yet no one even commented on the lack of words and sound. I think responding to things like this is a good way to allow students to get in touch with their own voice--there is no pressure no judgement, and no right or wrong answer. NOW how to create one--that is the question?

The Tech Savy Classroom

After reading Sara B. Kajder's The Tech Savy Classroom, I was a bit intimidated and intriqued. I enjoy the idea of hypertext to support the voice of the writer and to further understand the response of the reader. When she states, the "right tools for the rigght student" I find myself questioning which students she is discussing. I think about the higber end students, and then the more struggling readers and how the use of technology differs between the classes, and am concerned as to how I would even approach this method. Regardelss, I would really liske to learn more about this and use it in the classroom

TALKING TO YOUR CLASS

Wednesday, January 13, 2010
talking to your class

Today, in my Regula English class we were reading manuals in our lit book; all in an effort to be able to follow directional peices given on the PASS Test--I,myself do not like to look at the enourmous manuals you receive when purchasing any item which requires directions. For example, I received a new digital camera from my daughter for a Christmas gift. I had to charge the battery, figure out how to place the tiny card back in the camera and then follow several pages about date, time, how to take a video, ect--All I want to do is point and shoot.
I was sharing this with my class and we had a discussion about following directions--they just look and play--they figure it out without looking at any directions--sometimes this makes me wonder how I think I can teach them, when it seems like they know the real world more than me. Anyway, it was a day to delve deeper into my studens' personalities, desires, and needs--I think it was worth the 60 minutes?
Posted by colleen taylor at 6:50 AM

All About Me

I have been teaching in Horry County School District for the past four years, as an 8th grade ELA teacher. I enjoy my students very much and have made many friends in school. I have my MED in Reading, and would love to have my doctorate--I also want to teach at the college level.

I am taking this digital writing course and am really having a blast--I hope I will remember to use all of this in the classroom.