Edgaged

One of the challenges that Zack and I have faced the last few weeks is finding apps that allow primary students to create on an iPod. Sure, there are a lot of apps out there that help kids practice and develop skills, but most of the production opportunities are with the iPads and are too complex for a kindergartener or a first grader to use. Doodle Buddy has worked well in the past, but teachers obviously need more than one free app that will allow the students to be creative. This week I came across an app called Story Kit. (New to me, not to iPods.) I think this app will really allow young students to show their creative abilities. The kids have the option to take pictures, add text, and record their voice while reading it. I could see this being used in all content areas. It could be to demonstrate a skill, publish a story, publish a how-to book, share an event, etc. Not only that, but it is a pretty simple and straight-forward app. I hope to have the opportunity in the near futur...

Last week's post had to do with the exciting project that I was able to be involved with at Avilla Elementary. The students created spirit signs using Doodle Buddy for the Mount Vernon Nazarene Cougar volleyball team. The game is on Saturday the 10th and many of the students will actually be at the game. (I know I will, and I will get pictures!) This week, we actually heard back from the Cougars and they had a message for the Avilla first graders! What an opportunity technology has provided for these students. Who knows if this would have happened without the 1:1 initiative throughout East Noble Schools.   [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6by13xvbjc&w=480&h=390] Here's the action from the game!!! [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_K0a3jmTgEQ&w=640&h=390]

Last week I had the opportunity to work in Mrs. Yoder's 1st grade class. The students are using their iPods and creating pictures using the Doodle Buddy app to focus on being "College Bound." (Being college bound is a mind set that college is in their future and they need to work towards it.) Mrs. Yoder's sponsor school is Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU), and it just so happens that the MVNU girls' volleyball team will be playing St. Francis in the near future. The students will also have the opportunity to go to the game; so the whole experience will be exciting for them. I was excited to be able to help them in this activity. They all took a picture of a volleyball and created some spirit posters to help encourage the Mt. Vernon Cougars towards a win. I helped them with the devices while Mrs. Yoder taught the lesson on how to use Doodle Buddy. They were extremely excited and some were even able to make multiple pictures. I hope to be able to continue par...