Teach 21 Reflections

This week we have GCRCT testing and are on a "skinny" schedule for classes.  I don't have much time to have students really get started on their vodcasts so I've decided to use this opportunity to get their ideas flowing and to give some brief tutorials on MovieMaker and Audacity.  I've tried to include helpful links and video how-tos on my website under the "podcasting" tab.  Most students seem really excited about this project, but there are about 3 that are totally against the experience.  I hope to win them over by making them feel fully supported with ideas and technical know-how.  Students who finish early will help other students with some of the technical aspects.  I decided to streamline some of the format of the student poetry podcast by having all students do a basic MovieMaker format to use as the base of their project.  There are guidelines and project sheets available on my website also.  I can't wait to see what these creative 8th graders come up with for their poem podcasts!