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Last week I read Holly Mueller’s Digital Literacy post about her students’ social justice PSA’s. Some of her students used an app called PowToon. I introduced it to my students on Monday while discussing presentation options. I wanted them to further research an area of interest sparked by our field trip to a science museum. After they watched the short PowToon introduction video, I could hear an echo in the classroom, “I’m using PowToon!”
My students are familiar with PowerPoint. PowToon uses a similar interface with an add slide button and graphics that are easily added with a drag and drop motion. My students were able to use this app independently. I watched over their heads as they created fun animated slides. Tyler ran into trouble when he tried to add music. He lost the whole presentation he had created, so we started the mantra of “Hit Save” after every added slide. Tyler was able to quickly recreate what he had done and even enjoyed trying new things, so it was not a huge loss.
After I viewed Tyler’s PowToon, I discussed ways he could raise money for lemurs. We found the World Wildlife Fund that has a lemur adoption kit. The cost is $55. I told him if he presents his PowToon to all the 5th and 6th grade classes and asks them to donate $1 for the cause, he is likely to raise the money. He agreed. I’m excited to watch this 6th grader move from an interest sparked to a social action.
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That’s so great, Margaret! I’m thrilled that your students tried this out. I love the idea of further research after that field trip. Keeps them thinking about lingering questions. I will be sure to share this with my students who discovered using Powtoon in their PSAs. They’ll be excited that they inspired you to share it with your students. đŸ˜‰
Reblogged this on So. Consider and commented:
Consider the power of passion and technology infused by student citizens helping making the world a better place, one small step at time.
Margaret, you and Holly keep pushing me toward new tools that I can show the teachers I work with. It is so exciting being part of the DigiLit Sunday PLN. I enjoyed watching your student’s Powtoon presentation.
I love Powtoons! I used this a lot last year and the students loved it. Thanks for the reminder. I can’t wait to get back to it!
Thanks for this Margaret, I appreciate that you are trying, then sharing new ideas. I’ll share with colleagues, too!