Finding and buying stuff is always tough. I really liked Ohler's suggestion that teacher create a "search time budget." I know that I can easily lose several hours looking for a camera or the right memory card reader. Setting a time limit on the search would seriously save me some time... and really, I probably find the best deal in the first hour and then keeping thinking that there has to be something better out there!!!
Though I appreciated all of the suggestions for hardware and software, I feel like when I first begin trying to incorporate digital storytelling, I would want to stay as basic as possible until I have a better understanding of what the kids can do in a limited amount of time. Also, I feel that sometimes, too many options can be overwhelming to kids, and they aren't able to focus.
One message I got from Ohler is that if you don't have Macs to work on, you have more work with more software ahead of you. I've been working on a PC, but this chapter made me want to practice exclusively on iMovie, especially since I do have access to Macs for my students!
I'm glad to know so much hardware and software exist to make really cool digital stories, but I think it will be sometime before I'm ready to devote that time, energy, and money to try to make it happen in my classes. I can see video, pictures, and sound like we've done for class, but some of the extras intimidate me a bit.
Video technology changes rapidly making production easier and faster.
ReplyDeleteApril,
ReplyDeleteYou (and Ohler) both mention holding off on buying new things right away and work with what you have at the beginning.
This idea is also valuable, to me, in that our Tech person knows the inner workings of all the software we have on campus and
she can be a huge resource in getting it working. If I were to bring in new technology, I would be the only person with knowledge
on it and I won't know how it works with the other computer equipment on campus. Something to think about.
Julie
I am a big fan of using what you have. Fundraising is great but I prefer to "maguyver" a solution out of what is available. Right now iMovie is the easiest and has everything students need but soon enough a PC version will have the same. At the moment though, we have windows XP in my classroom and I sure wish we had macs.
ReplyDelete