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Quest Atlantis

Following on from the success of SuperClubs Plus, another social networking site for students aged 9 - 16 years is called Quest Atlantis.

"Quest Atlantis is a virtual reality software program created by Indiana University professor Dr. Sasha Barab. Virtual Reality Software is a software program that creates a three dimensional world with multi-user environment. This particular program, Quest Atlantis, includes games and a story line to assist children with both reading and decision making. This particular model places students in the role of junior scientists, political advisors, business managers, and national park rangers. Students tackle a variety of subjects trying to solve problems in this virtual world.

The greatest results have been seen in students who are the poorest performing readers and with disadvantaged students. These students are typically the hardest to reach, and the program has given them incentives and rewards for their work. These students often do not enjoy school but now have great interest due to this interactive world. The game style approach appeals to the students and keeps their interest." Courtesy Wired Educator

Cyberbullying - digizen.org

I came across this website the other day called digizen.org and I was impressed by the section on cyberbullying. There are videos and plenty of resources for teachers to discuss this isuee with their students. You can watch the main video and then see the individual interviews with the characters, powerful stuff. This site is aimed at upper primary and lower secondary students.

Of course there is the Australian site, Cybersmart, which is really useful as well and has stuff for younger kids.

I created a slideshow of questions for my students to discuss in small groups on the topic of cyber safety.

Cyber Smart discussion questions

Blogs

All you need is an email address...

Diagram and Mind-mapping tools

IMindmap5, Cacoo, Spiderscribe are two free online diagram/mind-mapping tools.

Stencyl

A new product from MIT is called Stencyl.

"Welcome to StencylWorks, 2D game creation done right. StencylWorks isn't your average game creation software; it's a gorgeous, intuitive toolset that integrates seamlessly with the Stencyl ecosystem.

Exclusive collaboration and sharing features will have you making Flash games in a flash. For free."

Scratch

When I was at the ACEC2008 National Conference in Canberra last year, one of the keynote speakers was Mitchel Resnick.


"Mitchel Resnick is LEGO Papert Professor of Learning Research, Director of the Okawa Center, and Director of the Lifelong Kindergarten group at the MIT Media Lab. Resnick's research group has developed a variety of educational tools that engage people in new types of design activities and learning experiences, including the "programmable bricks" that were the basis for the award-winning LEGO Mindstorms and StarLogosoftware. He co-founded the Computer Clubhouse, an award-winning network of learning centers for youth from under-served communities.

Resnick's group has developed a new programming language, called Scratch, that makes it easier for kids to create their own animated stories, video games, and interactive art. Resnick is also involved in the next generation of Programmable Bricks and in the $100 laptop project."

Courtesy Wikipedia article "Mitchel Resnick"

I hope to use Scratch with my class this year - will let you know how it goes!

Click here to view a video of Mitchel Resnick speaking about creativity

SuperClubs Plus

SuperClubsPLUS

There is so much to offer to students, both in learning about web 2.0 technologies and general ICT skills. Here is an article I wrote for the ICTEV journal:

SuperClubsPLUS -

Here are some videos about SuperClubsPLUS:

ABC News coverage of SuperClubsPLUS Australia from Martyn Wild on Vimeo.

Super Cool SuperClubsPLUS! from Martyn Wild on Vimeo.

Strip Generator

I found this website (stripgenerator.com) about a year ago. My kids used it last year and they loved it. You don't have to register to create comic strips. I recommend not letting younger school children access the posting area as some of the comics shared can be a little risque! Use this link to go straight to the editing window. Students can not save their work but are able to print them out at the end of a session. Of course, older students can register and set up their own blog to save their comic strips.

Aniboom and Shapeshifter

Shapeshifter

There is a website like YouTube that showcases animations from all around the world called Aniboom. As well as the amazing creations that are posted on this site, there is a section for creating animations as well. This is an online program called, Shapeshifter. Using only four geometric shapes, using this program can create some amazing animations. This would be a great stepping stone from Pivot/Stykz to Flash animation. I would thoroughly recommend this one for students moving on from Pivot.

Pivot and Stykz animation applications

These programs are a great way to introduce students to the concept of animation using stop-motion techniques.

The Zimmer Twins

This is a great website for kids to learn about video editing and improving their literacy skills at the same time!

"The Zimmer Twins is a site devoted to kids and creative storytelling. Since 2005, the Zimmer Twins has invited children to create and share their own animated stories.

The Zimmer Twins is the brainchild of Jason Krogh the founder/director of zinc Roe design. Jason set out to create an online tool that would let kids use their imagination and exercise their storytelling powers. Jason teamed up with creative director Aaron Leighton, who developed the characters and set out the visual style of the project.

The project found an enthusiastic partner in TELETOON, a national animation cable channel in Canada. Working with TELETOON, the Zimmer Twins launched in 2005 and selected movies from the site were broadcast from coast-to-coast. In subsequent years partnerships were formed with ABC in Australia and qubo/NBC in the United States." The Zimmer Twins Website

Prezi - The zooming presentation editor

ICT and Web 2.0 Applications on Prezi

Welcome

This blog is designed as a place for staff at Footscray Primary School to find ideas for using ICT and Web 2.0 technologies with their students. All applications I will show can be embedded into students Ultranet pages.