Instructional Technology and Application
in the Classroom
While the technology tools highlighted below are those that I use most often in the classroom, they are certainly not the only tools I use. Because I am a huge proponent of the use of digital storytelling as both an instructional strategy as well as an assessment piece, many of the tools that I use most frequently
are video or presentationally based. As a result of my graduate study at CSUSB, I have sharpened some of my existing video production skills, and gained some new skills. Newly acquired skills include routine
use of Google Forms, the digital mapping tool, Bubbl.us, and my favorite presentation tool, Google Slides. I used Slides to create and expand all the ID projects thus far, and I will continue to create educational content in Slides for the foreseeable future.
are video or presentationally based. As a result of my graduate study at CSUSB, I have sharpened some of my existing video production skills, and gained some new skills. Newly acquired skills include routine
use of Google Forms, the digital mapping tool, Bubbl.us, and my favorite presentation tool, Google Slides. I used Slides to create and expand all the ID projects thus far, and I will continue to create educational content in Slides for the foreseeable future.
YouTube
YouTube is useful for embedding instructional videos in Slides, Power Point and/or Google Classroom. Students can use YouTube to store and share multimedia assessments. Additionally, YouTube Courses help to clarify and summarize content and content related elements. Click images below to link to artifacts and examples.
Google Slides
Until the pandemic, I didn't really use any form of slides presentation at all. However, between my Instructional Technology Masters program and the need to teach remotely, I quickly learned the value of Google Slides. I created numerous courses in which Slides served as the delivery platform. I also assigned student presentations which were turned in and presented via Slides. Again, the interconnectivity between Google applications was the great lure, for example, the ease with which video content from YouTube can be embedded in Slides. Click images below to view content.
Google Forms
Google Forms enables quick, tracked responses to everything from surveys to sorting and categorizing, to tests and quizzes. Google Forms also comes in handy while collecting and charting data and results for research purposes. Click images below to view content
Digital Mapping Tool-BUBBL.US
I recently acquired this tool as a result of a blended lesson assignment, and it is proving to be quite the find. As a teacher who assigns several essays throughout the year, I almost alway start with a thinking map, also known as a mind map or a graphic organizer. On the site Bubbl.us, students can create a digital map to aid in planning and organizing their essays. When complete, students can take a screenshot, download, or simply share their completed maps with teachers. Below is a model that I created so that students could see what a completed map might look like. Students were assigned to generate their own maps in preparation for the essay. Click image to link to Bubbl.us.
iMovie, Final Cut Pro
I created this digital storytelling project as a model for a student project highlighting major concepts in Orwell's
1984. This film was shot on an iPad and iPhone and edited
in Final Cut Pro. It demonstrates skill in editing, especially use of transitions and special effects in sound.
Click image to view content
1984. This film was shot on an iPad and iPhone and edited
in Final Cut Pro. It demonstrates skill in editing, especially use of transitions and special effects in sound.
Click image to view content
Although many videographers swear by
Adobe Premier Pro, I prefer to use Final
Cut Pro, which is really just a glorified
version of iMovie. The video to the right is
a documentary style film that I shot on an
iPad and edited in Final Cut. It chronicles
my journey through distance learning from
August 2020 to April 2021.
Click image to view content.
Screen Recording Tools
There are several tools for screen recording, but the most common are Screencast-O-Matic, Screencastify, and QuickTime Screen. I like to mixup these tools, whichever I decide to use with Final Cut Pro, so that I can edit any issues or problems after I've walked through the screen recording. For example, if there was any background noise during the recording, I can rerecord that section of the voice over. Below is a research that I presented digitally, using QuickTime Screen and then edited in FInal Cut.
Interactive Jeopardy Game
This interactive game board serves as a review venue for just about any content. It's easily accessible and best of all, free. Click image to view and play the game. Click present mode on the Slides page.