Screencast

One of the key ideas associated with the new literacy approach is that technology is not nearly an add-on, or a new way to present old approaches. Rather, technology provides new platforms for users to create knowledge together by giving users tools to share ideas and create new interpretations of information through collaboration. This requires educators to move beyond the idea that literacy is a singular activity performed by one individual. Instead, literacy events allow each member of a learning community to draw upon their expertises in multiple forms of meaning-making, using multiple modes to create unique products.

In order to successfully complete this task, you need to begin by exploring the possible technological tools that the Internet and other technologies provide. The possibilities include, but most certainly are not limited to, wikis, blogs, vlogs, social networking sites such as [|Shelfari], [|VoiceThread], [|avatars], [|delicious], [|Second Life], [|Google Documents], [|diigo], and many more. You can also explore the American Association of School Librarians' site that announces the top 25 sites for educators. Which of these do you see as having potential in your classroom?

Once you have selected a topic, delve into it. After you have fully explored the topic, plan how you would integrate the tool into your classroom. You will then create a screencast that introduces the technology to your students and highlights how it will be used in your classroom. Please note that this should not be a one time assignment. How can you use this technology throughout the school year to facilitate learning for your students? So what exactly is a screencast? A screencast is a video that captures the events occurring on your computer screen. It's a great way to demonstrate how to perform a task on the computer. It also allows for voice recording so you can explain what you are doing along the way. Your purpose is to speak to your students, introducing them to a specific assignment and direct them on how to complete it. There are many possible software options for this, but I prefer the [|Jing Project], which is a free, downloadable program that is very easy to use. You will also write a 2 page reflection over the process that includes:
 * What will this tool look like in your classroom? How will class time be devoted to supporting this process? What concepts will you explore through this process?
 * What benefits do you see students gaining from participating in this process?
 * What drawbacks did you come across or can you see possibly occurring within this process?
 * What literacy skills do students draw on when working through this project?
 * What role does collaboration play in this process?
 * What other thoughts do you have about the project?

Turn in your written portion of the assignment into Dropbox on the day you present.

You will share your video with the class at the end of the semester. Plan for about 5 minutes.

One student example: []