Journal #2

Bull, G. (2010, February). Finding students who learn with media. Learning & Leading, 5(36), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=February_No_5_4&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4495&ContentID=25255&DirectListComboInd=D




This article gave information how teachers can use online tools to help teach curriculum in class. The author discusses the tool PrimaryAccess MovieMaker which allows students to create short films. This tool is easy for students to use and has eliminated time associated with video editing which allows for students to concentrate on the subject being taught. Since there were time constraints in not only teaching the subject but allowing time for the movie the producers of PrimaryAccess MovieMaker designed and extension call PrimaryAccess Stroyboard. This function allows teachers to help students create a visual narrative in just one class period. The producers of PrimaryAccess MovieMaker also found that students performed as well on tests using this product when comparing them to students who only wrote essays for the assignment. The makers of this product want to increase student engagement by utilizing media into the curriculum.

I found this article insightful. Students are very tuned into technology and most if given the chance would love to incorporate computers into their lesson. This type of learning would need to be conducted within a school that gives all students access to a computer or laptop. It would also be helpful for some type of afterschool tutoring for those students who were having difficulty using the product.



Question 1

After incorporating PrimaryAccess MovieMaker in to a lesson, how would the teacher address those students who find working on the computer difficult?

My first thought was to make sure during the periods of the lesson with the computer there would be a teacher’s aide or student helper in class. This person would be skilled in how Primary Access MovieMaker works. This may take the load off the teacher in order for all students to receive help during movie making time. Since most teachers do not have aides in class another thought would be to have students work with partners. The teacher could try and team a high technology person with a low technology person. This would allow for the low technology person to receive help when the teacher is unavailable to help.

Question 2

Would a first year teacher be able to use this in their classroom?

It would seem that the first year teacher already has much to accomplish with just the standard curriculum. I think if one would like to use the tool it is possible depending on their knowledge of computers and technology. I believe it would also make a good impression on the students to know that the “new” teacher was up to date with technology. After the assignment the teacher should then grade themselves on how to improve the next time the technology was used.