Week 5

This week in the workshop we've concentrated on designing digital films as well as creating various animations. we designed two short films, played games that are both interactive and educational, as well as creating other animations. we've learnt that the internet has so much to offer, its a whole system that can solely educate students. However we've also learnt the dangers of the world wide web. We sometimes have no control of what comes on our computer screens, and for this reason students need to be protected. It is the school's responsibility to prepare students for such dangers. "The role for schools in preparing students for this 'online community' is the same as for any other community" (Powell, 2010)

On the following webpage is a game that educates students about the dangers of the internet and protect their personal information. http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/games/privacy_playground/

Despite the importance of educating students about these dangers, it is just as important to teach students how to behave online. Students must be taught to behave responsibly 'which means they must be aware of the language they use and the things they say, must learn how to treat others, must be able to respect people's property (e.g. intellectual and copyright) and they must be careful about the websites they visit' (Powell, 2010). 

Students must also be educated about copyright and the issues related to it. The following webpage gives copyright guidelines for Australian schools. It is a good website that educates both teachers and students about copyright. http://www.smartcopying.edu.au/scw/go 

Here are some of the activities carried out in the workshop

Mini movie   

In this webpage students can create a short film using one main character. There are various animations showing different emotions and actions in the one character. Students create their own film by choosing the actions or emotions they desire and write statements on the speech bubble. This is a great way for students to be imaginative and come up with any story they like. Not only does this webpage has a clear link to literacy (they write a story), one can also link it to drama as students are required to write a script and make the film. The only issue with this webpage is, it is restricted to one character and does not really extend students imagination. 

Build your wild self

Create your own wild self using. Here is a game that brings to life students imagination. They first choose what they look like, and they can add various other animation to show what they could look like if they had different body parts, such as a tail or rabbit ears etc. 

buildyourwildself.com

English lesson - reading

Storygames.com is an interactive website that provides games and stories in an interactive and exciting method. Ideal for Students up to grade three, the story games are designed to capture their attention. It is well animated with engaging and familiar characters.
The only issue with this website is that it is a little difficult to navigate and students may constantly need teacher supervision. 

Catchment detox

Managing Australia's waterways is a huge challenge with climate change, increased demand for water and environmental problems putting our rivers under stress. Catchment Detox gives an idea of just how difficult it is to manage a river catchment.

An interactive, exciting, engaging and fun way to teach students about climate change. Climate change has affected our environment and caused many problems to our rivers. Here is a game that puts students in charge of our river systems. After a quick tutorial, students can then begin to manage their own catchment.  
The only issue with this game though it could be a little complicated and extensive background knowledge is imperative. 

http://www.catchmentdetox.net.au/

 

Sketch Swap: sketchswap.com

In this website individuals can draw any picture they like and can send it to another person. Once they hit the send button they will receive an image drawn by another person.

This can be easily used when integrating Art and ICT. Students are required to be creative and imaginative; they can draw anything they please.

However the negative aspect of this webpage is that there is no control on the images received and thus students can receive inappropriate images.

Reference 
Powell, G. (2010). Protection of students online. Retrieved from http://webct.latrobe.edu.au:80/webct/urw/lc17802779087071.tp17802779120071//RelativeResourceManager;JSESSIONID=wnVGMF4fL3Jshl0CXrCtLR6j7hVZH4bpZ1v6xhxFXJTvzWqVvWcL!-1573395835!ecourse5.latrobe.edu.au!80!-1!185202966!ecourse6.latrobe.edu.au!80!-1!1288009823626?contentID=19085393195031 on 25th October 2010

Grizzly eats Cowboy!

dvolver.com

 dvolver.com is a creative and simple website students can use to make a short film. Students begin by choosing the setting of the film, then choose the characters and create a story using speech bubbles. Then students have the option of background music aswell as a creative end.
This website can be used in many different subjects. Students can use this as a writing activity in English class, or as a basic ICT skill enhancing activity.
It is simple and easy to navigate, however some of the content maybe inappropriate for primary school students. If this website is used in class, teachers must maintain a strict supervision.