BP8-2009121_Week 2-Discoverying Web 2.0 Tools Part 2

The second tool I found of particular interest to me was one called Slidestory.  I truly love digital storytelling and although I teach science, I try to find as many opportunities for my students to create, write and share stories whenever possible.  Another thing I love to do is take and share pictures.  With this tool, students create an account and actually create their own power point presentations.  What is different here is that they can add audio narration to those presentations.  In middle school, students are learning to communicate and build self esteem.  These years are so challenging and critical.  I think that the more they get to build on their presentation skills, the better equipped they will be when they progress into high school and even into college.  I would use this tool by putting students into groups and having them work collaboratively to design a power point presentation on a topic.  They would receive a rubric and a time line for when to complete the project and then I would have them grade each other on their projects.  I would give them the option of either presenting publicly or even posting on a blog if they choose.  I could also use Slidestory to present content myself to my classes on a day when my students will have a substitute and I want to narrate the content.  I would also use a presentation on my teacher website for students to go back to review lessons they have missed or if they want to study for a test.  I could also create an extra credit assignment using Slidestory and post to my blog for students to view and post comments on my blog to verify that they have viewed the content.  This could promote some question and answer type of discussion for myself and my students or an exchange for both.  Lastly, I like the fact that you can upload pictures along with text in the presentations which helps to accentuate your content.