This week we were asked to create an example of a digital story to show to our students that will help them to understand what we are looking for in their digital story projects. In past postings you can see that I've done much of my digital story telling using Prezi. I've decided to stick to this program and create an example through this. My model project relates to animals and their homes. The project will require first grade students to create a digital story using pictures from a field trip we will take for science and they will have to reflect upon a book that was teacher chosen. Knowing the ability level of my students I decided that I would pair students together (one high student with one low) and also have parent chaperones and dividends available to help students.
This project is one that would definitely need a lot of adult help because of the age of the students and where they are developmentally. I am requiring students to use digital cameras to take pictures of any animal/animal homes that they found interesting and they learned a lot about. The students are allowed to use a search engine (yahooligans) upon returning to school to find additional information. I had a lot of concerns with this project because of my students' abilities, but when I showed them how to use Prezi, my concerns were eased just a little. I was floored at how much my students could do and how capable they really are with this technology. I started them off with using Prezi to tell the beginning, middle, and end of our weekly story. We worked for about 3 days on the logistics of Prezi, but after that they picked up fast. I know it is also helpful that I have already shown my students how to use and do powerpoints. So they already have some backgorund on how to use and navigate these programs.
When I started my Prezi I really wanted to make sure that I put in as little text as I could, but still make sure that students knew they had to to tell us all about what they learned. With this age group I often find, especially with writing, that they can go on and on about a topic and then eventually veer from that. I didn't want this to happen and I had to stress to them that you don't have to write down every word you have written. I wanted to base their grade on the ability to use the Prezi program, but I also needed to include their ability to convey information about what they learned. You will see that in my Prezi there are a lot of pictures included. When working with my students I found that teaching them to present from a picture was helpful when it came to the amount they wanted to put in. For example, instead of including 10 sentences about a beetle, they would put up a picture of a beetle and take the information they have from their writing and read while they present. Most of them did well with that. This Prezi by no means is perfect and keep in mind when you view my example that my students are only 6-7 years old and they are really doing the very best they can. I've learned to appreciate the little things they create, especially when it comes to technology. Enjoy!
Hey Kari,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post. I thought you came up with a great idea for your students to do - and cross-curricular, as well! It sounds really great. In addition, I am impressed that your students have already worked in the PowerPoint environment and now seem somewhat comfortable in the Prezi world as well. That is so awesome!
While I am not currently teaching, I am doing a project for a class of FIRST GRADERS as well. We certainly should keep an eye on each other's projects as the weeks go by. I have been hesitant about this project because of the reading level of the kids, so my project is going to be a class project, rather than an individual project. I, too, think that this project will need to be done with a parent or volunteer or older student.
You wrote, "With this age group I often find, especially with writing, that they can go on and on about a topic and then eventually veer from that." I have found that to be a common trait with kids, as well. They keep adding, "and then.... and then.... and then...." It's cute to hear but not necessarily efficient in writing! I will be curious to find out how your kids do with this! :)
I'll be checking back!
~ Christi S
Kari,
ReplyDeleteI loved reading about what you are doing with these first graders! It also is a great testimonial to hear that your first grade students were able to create their own individual projects. If you would not have already said that you started working with the kids in Prezi, I was going to suggest doing it as a group project where each child adds one line to the presentation. I think if you want to take this one step further, I think it would add more to the project if you had sound. Do you know if Prezi has the capabilities to add sound? If not, maybe a movie would be the next step in creating a higher quality presentation for the high achieving students? Overall, I am very impressed with your project and that your students were able to do Prezi! Thank you for sharing!
Tricia
Hi Kari,
ReplyDeleteI really like your idea for the Prezi project you are doing with your 1st graders about animal homes. I loved the photos documenting your field trip. They were precious. You know when you think about, they are almost 2nd graders now, and their blossoming readers.
If you remember, I commented to your post when you first presented your idea to teach your 1st graders Prezi. At the time I questioned it because I was personally having a hard time getting a handle on Prezi. I now understand that using Prezi would be a natural progression because you have already used PowerPoint with them. I believe now that Prezi is an appropriate program to use with your students and the topic is spot on.
You have to know that this learning experience has been very meaningful for your students and the knowledge they gained will be long lasting and memorable. I can only imagine how much you had to rely on the adult chaperones during this field trip. It was definitely a “working trip.” I’m sure the kids enjoyed taking picture and documenting the entire process. Their digital stories should be awesome!
Thanks for sharing,
:-) Ruth
Well I have to say that your presentation on animal homes was amazing. You said in your post that your students were able to create their own Prezi based on the pictures of their animals. Well I am quite pleased and impress that they were able to listen and follow directions to complete such a great presentation. I can see the pride it took for you to instruct and allow our students o create their own. I know how you feel when you said “I’ve learned to appreciate the little things they create, especially when it comes to technology” because I’m a second grade teacher who have the same pride and passion for my students to create their own digital storytelling. It starts with us and it’s our job to prepare them for the future. Great presentation!
ReplyDeleteYou said, "The project will require first grade students to create a digital story using pictures from a field trip we will take for science and they will have to reflect upon a book that was teacher chosen."
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of connecting a field trip into a specific content. Although I am looking that this from the high school perspective, we often take the students places then never follow up in the classroom. This sounds like a great project to see what the kids learned!
As for the Prezi iteself, I loved the design and organization. You managed to tell the story of both your field trip and a tree's life after death (so to speak) in an engaging way.
I did have a question, though. How advanced are the writing skills of 1st graders? Is your Prezi accurate to how your students write? I teach high school, so I have no idea about the expectations for 1st graders. I only ask because when I taught middle school I would sometimes create examples that were way over the heads of my kids. My example wasn't at my students' level. I just thought I would pass on my experience.
Again, I am but a lowly high school teacher. I was just curious because it seems difficult to create this sort of project geared toward such a young age.
Thanks for your post!
Kelley
awwww! Your students are adorable! This was such a great digital story! I enjoyed the comparison to the the book and real life. I just finished a unit on animals and their habitats and thought how digital storytelling would be a great project! The field trip that goes along with it is exceptional! It really puts all the pieces together and gives students so many avenues to research, observe, express and share.
ReplyDeleteEven though your students are young you will surprised at what they can do. Mini lessons modeling each step they would need to take can help students understand what they need to do just before they do it. Learning how to research and create using new technology can be overwhelming when you get started but if you have them take one step at a time as you guide them, you can help them teach themselves to create wonderful projects and skills they can use again in the future. Did I mention I LOVE your sample!? :o)