Recently, the elementary principal and I developed and facilitated a workshop for several K-4 teachers in our district along with their students interns from Penn State Altoona. The session, entitled The EdTech Game Show, focused on making IT (instructional technology) R.E.A.L. (Relevant, Engaging, Authentic and Lifelong) with 16 digital resources that can be utilized to engage and motivate students in the learning process.

Following the training, first grade teacher Jennell Miller teamed up with middle school teachers Brandon Hescox and Tom Partner to create a cross-curricular project combing science, writing, art and technology.

After drawing a picture of an insect, the first graders researched their assigned “nature’s helper” with an eighth grade buddy to write a mini-report. The pairs then accessed the Blabberize web tool to create a talking animation using original illustrations and facts learned from the research.

Check out our students in action…

Check out a few examples of the finished projects shown below. As you will see, they are quite impressive! Just click on the image to watch a sample video…

The Honey Bee by Bryson & Troy

The Ant by Bradyn & John

Click here to view additional projects from this collaborate effort.

A high five to my colleagues for making technology “real” for our students. You rock!

Classroom Connection:

A free web tool such as Blabberize provides teachers with the opportunity to foster student creativity, collaboration, speaking and listening skills and engagement with the use of technology. In addition to honing a number of skills, Blabberize offers an interesting and fun way to break up the usual lesson plan!

“Blabbers” can be generated for all types of content area activities. Some topics include historical figures, vocabulary, book talks, reports, character analysis and many more!

I love the fact that original student photos and/or artwork can be incorporated into projects. And your students will too!