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Posts Tagged ‘digital literacy’

  1. Mind-Blowing Digital Literacy Integration Part 5

    April 11, 2018 by 2TechSavvyLibrarians

    Curiosity is what powers discovery. – Stephen Magee

    Merge Cube

    Merge Holo Cube is definitely a mind-blowing learning opportunity for you and your students!  Using augmented reality and virtual reality technology, Merge Holo Cube is a hand-held soft cube that is a discovery phenomenon!  Various apps are available for download to use with the Cube.  Students can learn about the solar system, the human body, play music, play games and much more. In addition, students can use their skills to become content creators for Merge Cube, developing new ideas and games.  Device required for this experience is a smart phone or tablet.  A VR Headset is available but not necessary.

    What about using Merge Holo Cube in the Classroom?  This is new technology, so we are discovering uses together.  There are some offerings in Teachers Pay Teachers.  However, I feel that blogging, reflection and vocabulary connections are good starting points.  Although the gaming apps require a student to be 13 years or older, I believe that the learning lessons available in other apps are easily accessible to students, with the teacher login.  Using this combination of AR/VR will get your students excited about learning no matter what the content.  Our students need to become versed in AR/VR and MR (Mixed Reality) in order to be competitive in a global society.

    Finally, these cubes are easily and cheaply available at Amazon and Walmart (possibly $1 each).  So, what are you waiting for….go get a class set of Merge Holo Cubes!

                                                                                      

    How are you using Merge Cubes?

    TechSavvyLibrarian Jan

     

     

     

     

     

     


  2. Mind-Blowing Digital Literacy Integration Part 4

    April 10, 2018 by 2TechSavvyLibrarians

    There’s so much more to a book than just the reading. – Maurice Sendak

    Storybird

    Used in over 400,000+ K-12 classrooms worldwide, Storybird allows students to write books they will always remember by starting with the pictures first.  These images evoke ideas and thoughts which translate into personalized sequenced events, transforming the student to the author. Storybird is a fabulous tool to encourage student voice and creativity as they author and publish their own books online.  Picture books, chapter books and poetry books are easily created in a clickable format.  According to Storybird, “Schools have seen as much as 3-grade level jumps in literacy when using Storybird throughout the year.”  Other great features are the fact that Storybird is free in the educational setting and is also accessible on any device.  Here are some classroom uses for Storybird:

    Younger Students:

    Share what they are passionate about.

    Create a book to show they know.

    Increase language acquisition by writing.

    Problem-solve and synthesize their thoughts for a final product.

    Create an original story about a favorite anything or holiday.

    Create an original story about family.

    Older Students:

    Put Shakesperian sonnets into modern day language.  Thanks to @BLDGBookLove for these great ideas for olders.

    Use the five forms of imagery to create a story.

    Narrate concepts learned in class.

    Use as a tool to teach satire.

    Any Students:

    Have an afterschool event to celebrate student authors.

    Buddy up to create a book together.

     

    How are you using Storybird?

    TechSavvyLibrarian Jan

     


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