Reading Journal #2 -- That's a Wrap! Telling Stories with Video

We see that many of our students don't find classroom challenging or fun in any way. Some teachers go beyond so that their students can have the best learning experience and that is done in one simple way by adding what they are surrounded with. Many students live around technology and learn really well with it and if it works for them to learning then as educator we should find ways to make class fun for them. One way in Literature class is by taking a novel and transforming it into real life, an example a video. We can take a novel and the concepts of filming and teach students how to mix them both and have fun with them. If students are making a film about a book it kind of forces students to read to be able to know what scenes they want to film. First we start off with preparation, filming, editing, and the premiere and the overall experience it help students have fun while learning.

I really enjoy this type of learning because in high school I was able to do the same in one of my AP Spanish Literature class. We were not really taught the preparation of filming, but we were able to create a story line of what we had read and turn it into a more update version of it. It was a great experience of learning and I was able to share it with my fellow classmates as well. We had the Grammy Awards after all of our films were finished. I didn't know at that moment that I was learning to me it was having fun, but know I see that it is a great way to get every student involved even if they were shy. When we are filming there was a place for every students to have and share the work which was really worthwhile to teach. I will incorporate this style of learning into my future classroom because I was able to see what I took from it and I would like my students as well to have the same experience.

DeMaria, S., Fuhrman, C. (2011). Copyright law and technology. Learning and Leading with Technology. 38 (8), 32-33

Reading Journal #2 -- Digital Storytelling in Second Life

We see technology everywhere in young students and know we are seeing a lot of it in classrooms in this era. We have seen the great work that authors have done in their books and in movies and how it has impacted many students in learning. First of all we need to find a story line in which we can help the student create something out of the prompt given. We can also think of someone or something that has touched the students’ lives to send a message. We can see the impact of a student’s life and turn it into a visual story. After we have the story line we start to translate it into a 3D model decorating, illustrating, illuminating, and finding a message to the story. They will need to find image, sound, and objects to go alone with the storytelling.


I truly believe that digital storytelling is really going to help the students in the writing and creative aspect. The students will be having fun, but at the same time they will be growing in their writing skills and being creative with their stories. Being in groups will also help them since they will be learning to work in groups and sharing ideas with each other.  One important aspect if the students work independently or in groups is the concept of sharing their experiences. All the students can learn from each other without even knowing it when they are communicating a personal story.

Porter, B. (2010). Copyright law and technology. Learning and Leading with Technology. 37 (7), 26-27

Reading Journal #1 -- Assistive Technology in the Digital Age

Technology can be seen as a huge waste of time especially in school, but in reality it can be a huge success. Many students grow up with technology and instead of them using it for any reason we as educators should put a purpose to it. Assistive technology would not just help students, but students with disabilities and well as some students that are struggling with their academics. Writing has been a challenge for many students and with technology they can get the help that they need and overcome the writing difficulties that they have. Students can use computers to work on projects and homework and finds ways for alternative learning. They can also submit homework directly to the teacher without having to submit in person.

I say that Assistive Technology is very helpful in many ways because I see it in my college class that I am able to work at my pace and submit assignments to my professors without having the trouble of printing and papers getting lost. I would use this technology tips in my classroom because I know that a traditional classroom is not for everyone and technology is also not for everyone. I will have to see what are the most needs in my classroom so I can adjust and use different methods all the time in order for my students to succeed.

Bowser, G. (2013). Copyright law and technology. Learning and Leading with Technology. 41 (2), 10-11

Reading Journal #1 -- Flipped Learning

A flipped classroom is something we hear about today and how we can shape our classroom, but in reality it is not flipped classrooms but flipped learning.  There are many complaints about doing it because the term has been used wrong. Teachers has been using flipped classrooms since the 1950s, but never really called it that all it is, is using more modern technology in classrooms. A class is where to get help and home is where they practice and that is the same as a flipped classroom just with more modern technology used. The video system in a flipped learning environment is not to give instruction, but to create engagement in the student’s deeper learning. We need to learn how to apply flipped learning well in our classroom and not just put all lectures in video because if they are boring in class then they are more boring on video. We need to be able to use the flipped learning style in the right way because in each classroom the flipped learning will look different.  A flipped classroom, flipped learning, is not different from a traditional classroom it still contains the same important elements relationships, content, and curiosity.

As a future educator I have always wonder why flipped classroom or in this article flipped learning? I myself am behind on technology and am not a fan of it, but if that what is takes for my students I would consider it. I would use some of the concepts that a flipped learning environment has and mix it with a traditional classroom setting. I would try to implement both concepts and it is a worthwhile talking about it because we are in a modern world where most of the students are growing in knowledge with technology. It is  very important topic because our students need the best of learning and gaining knowledge and we should adjust to our students needs in order for them to strive. 

Bergmann, J., Sams, A. (2014). Copyright law and technology. Learning and Leading with Technology. 41 (7), 18-23