Find Ways for Students to Create their Own Content

Like it? Create your own at GoAnimate.com. It's free and fun!


One of the most powerful motivators for anyone is the creation of things that are actually real and valuable to others. As we design new projects and lessons, we should all keep this in mind. The beauty of the internet in 2011 is that every one of us- students and teachers alike- are able to share the things we make with anyone...everyone... in the world. This idea of creating and sharing authentic content crosses all content area lines. Publishing writing and video immediately comes to mind. Students can publish anything as an e-book with sites like issuu.com. Videos can be created for free on some sites, and shared worldwide on others. (Here are some tips on that)... In addition to these more "traditional" ways to publish ( :) ) there are many new ideas for projects out there.

Google Maps and Google Earth offer incredible possibilities. For example, students can use free architectural and 3D drawing software to create scale 3-D models of their homes or our school and submit them to Google Earth. Once excepted they are actually attached to Google Earth as a 3D building for the world to see.

FreeTech for Teachers featured site called Fresh Brain which highlights all sorts of ideas for making and publishing videos, creating FaceBook Apps, or building an original video game.

Students can edit music, learn the programming languages used in software development, start their own radio station or talkshow, design graphics, create cartoons and comic strips and so much more...all for free... Most of this can be worked on in the "cloud" so students could do work both at school and at home. Student products can be displayed on the large screens, projectors, and whiteboards that are increasingly common in our classrooms. Take a look at what is out there as we turn that August 1st corner and it will get you excited about getting back to school.