Assignment # 2 CUIN 7376
1.
Name of the Tool: Storybird
3.
Please select the one, primary category for this tool: Creativity Tool
4.
Please describe this tool in your own words in about 150-250
words.
The
“Storybird” Web 2.0 tool is a fun
tool design to be used for children K-12. It’s a creativity tool used to
inspire students to read and write better. “Storybird”
is simply, yet artistic and creative. It puts creativity at a whole new level.
Students who are reluctant in reading or writing become inundated with new
creative ideas that ultimately unlock their interest. It creates a community of
students, teachers and families who can freely engage in the activities. I
agree that it is one of the most innovated writings for children. It allows
them to engage in activities as well as to explore new opportunities in
addition to developing media skill sets for future use. The “storybird” provides practical features that
are useful for the classroom. Features such as; shareable and printable, allows
for sharing of information in blogs, through e-mails and downloads with the
option to print as needed. Other great features are real-time feedbacks from
classmates which contribute to building confidence and boost overall participation.
This tool can also be used for creative fund-raising ideas for school programs
which are common for this age group. Storybird has the ability to invite
someone to share stories or publish. You can invite a collaborator and share a
screen shot. It has similar features to that of a game board where each
participant takes turn. Participants can also be reminded when it their turn.
5.
Try using the Tool (you may need to sign up for a free or
trial account) so that you will learn how it works and what its capabilities
are - and so that you will be able to answer the following questions.
6.
What do you need to know before using this tool? (What
skills do you need to have?) Basic
computer skills are required before using this tool.
7.
What do you need to have before using this tool? (Resources).
One would need a computer with
microphone (for audio) and camera (optional)
8.
How do you use this tool? (Write the basic steps using a
numbered list)
i.
Create an account Capture #9
ii.
Sign-in to account Capture #14
iii.
Take a demo tour Capture #7
iv.
Add students Capture #3
v.
Students added Capture #2
vi.
Image added Capture #0
vii.
Assignment completed
Capture #1 &11
9.
If applicable, please create an example with this tool and
either embed in your blog or submit the URL.
10. Please
describe a scenario of how you might use this tool in a teaching environment
(150-250 words).
The “storybird” tool can be beneficial to any teaching environment. However,
one of the most beneficial use can be for home schooled children or children
who are unable to attend school due to unpredictable circumstances such as;
children with cancer, or children who may have a mild learning disability or I
can also see it been used to capture the attention of children with attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
For example: I would use this tool as an educational opportunity
for children with cancer who cannot attend school because of the effects of
severe symptoms post treatment, or the need to remain isolated due to immune-suppression.
A group of such kids can be kept up to date with their school work quite easily
and relieve parental concerns for falling too far behind. This tool would meet
their needs in addition to making the sessions and assignment fun. This would
also encourage engagement. It allows for the interaction between students on
related course work, but students also have the ability to share their cancer
experience on the discussion thread outside of their course topic-a helpful
feature for this group of kids. This only one example on how this tool can be beneficial
in a teaching environment.
11. What are
the advantages of using this tool in a teaching environment?
a.
Easy to create account.
b.
Some of the advantages are: the ease
of adding students to the class and setting up of the assignment.
c.
Editing options if a change is
required after the assignment is made. Editing button to the right of the screen.
Students do not have the ability to view this change.
d.
Assignment due date can be directly
embedded in the assignment and is easily visible (almost as a header).
e.
The flexibility of the teacher to
turn “spell-check” on or off.
f.
The ability to have a discussion
thread that can be used for topics outside of a specific story
g.
Easy uploading images.
h.
It free unless the more advanced “Pro”
version is preferred. This version has a few more bells and whistles which is
not required for student. He “basic version is sufficient to meet the needs of the
teacher and students. See added features on screen shots.
i.
Overall, the tool is very easy to navigate.
12. What are
the disadvantages of using this tool in a teaching environment?
a.
So far, I have found one
disadvantages which I thought to be annoying. I purposefully uploaded two images
to see how easy it was to delete one. I could not figure it out, even after
clicking on the image using the delete key to remove it. I ended up having to
close out the application and start over. This may be a user problem rather than the functionality of the tool. (J).
A version for adult learners who have learning
challenges with slow uptake.
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