Life Cycle of a Butterfly

Inspiration

I recently discovered the Inspiration software program, which can be used to create digital diagrams, webs, and concept maps.  Using Inspiration, I developed a digital diagram that represents the life cycle of a butterfly.  I chose this topic because it is relevent and is a common science topic in elementary grade levels.  One may create a diagram, web, or concept map several different ways.  However, I found it easiest to first create an outline and then use the program to arrange the information into a diagram.  After a few adjustments, the diagram looked exactly how I wanted it to.  Being a first time user of Inspiration made it a little more challenging to learn how to operate the program.  Nonetheless, now that I have experience with Inspiration I will be much more likely to use the program in my future classrooms.  I think using Inspiration is a great way to incorporate technology into the classroom for educational purposes.  Some other ways I might use Inspiration in my future classrooms is to create a concept map about a children's story, create a web during a class brainstorming session, or even create a KWL chart (Know, Want to know, and Learned).

Diagrams

I believe creating diagrams is definitely worth my time as a teacher.  Creating diagrams in class can model for children how to organize thought.  Diagrams can also enhance student learning because they provide children with a visual, and often times, children are best able to process new information when it is presented in multiple ways.  For instance, I could present a visual diagram to the children, discuss the diagram with the children, and help children to create their own diagrams to facilitate children's learning.  Because diagrams are a wonderful strategy for moving new information into long-term memory, I hope to incorporate diagrams in my future classrooms as often as possible.

Scavenger Hunt

I thought the scavenger hunt activity was wonderful.  In an article I read last week, scavenger hunts were noted as helpful to use in classrooms to support vocabulary development (in comparison to reading and copying definitions).  I am certain I will implement scavenger hunts in my future classrooms as a way to further engage children in learning.

Scavenger Hunt Screenshot

Animoto

Animoto.com allows users to upload images to create a 30 second slide show. This website is wonderful for people who are not "technologically gifted" or for those who are pressed for time. I uploaded a few images of me and my bestfriend, Joanne, to create a personalized slide show. I cannot wait to share it with her and others! I think this will be a useful tool to use in my future classroom as a way to share with families what the children are doing and learning at school.

Animoto Video