Since my last post, students from Team 8-1 & 8-2 collaborated together to create an iBook on the Federalist Papers. Prior to any iBook construction, students were situated in collaborative groups and performed document analysis on Federalist Papers #1, 10, 51, & 84. Using the Apple TVs and giant wipe-boards within the iCreate Studio, students were able to create visuals that reflected their analysis of the above-mentioned Federalist Papers. From this point, students were assigned specific roles to aid in the design of the iBook. Several students worked within the One-Button Studio to create the Intro Media for the iBook. These students donned historical costumes and used their creativity to introduce the contents of the iBook. In these videos, students became news anchors, talk-show hosts, game show contestants, etc. and edited their final videos using iMovie! Other students were assigned the role of researching the authors of the Federalist Papers, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, and creating a biography section of the iBook.
The primary focus of the iBook was the chapters that specifically focused on the students’ document analysis. Students wrote these chapters on the Google Doc platform. Students were able to collaborate with one another on the same document and could share and provide feedback with one another in a timely and convenient fashion. These students also made the decision on what interactive features should be included within their iBook. Students selected from the list below and then worked on creating their features and including these features within the iBook:
When it came to actually building the entire iBook on iBook Author, I worked with the Editors from each group. The Editors were students, selected by their peers, who took the lead on this particular project. These students were given an introduction to iBook Author and then given free reign on designing the iBook. While Mr. Englert is currently working on the final touches for Periods 4 & 6 iBooks, I have finished Period 2 & Period 5’s iBook. Please take the time and download these iBooks by clicking on the links at the bottom of the page! Since the file size for both iBooks is rather large, the download may take a few minutes. Following the Federalist Papers iBook creation, students were introduced to George Washington’s presidency. Using Near Pod, students and I went on a virtual field trip to Federal Hall in New York City to explore the site of Washington’s inauguration. In addition, students were introduced to Washington’s Cabinet and spent some time examining Alexander Hamilton and his Report on Public Credit. Students enjoyed the rap-battle from Hamilton the musical as we investigated the ideas of assumption and a national bank! Currently, students are in the middle of exploring the Whiskey Rebellion. This event is often a student-favorite because most of the action takes place in the Pittsburgh region. Using Google Earth, students familiarized themselves with the locations associated with Whiskey Rebellion, and then began reading an iBook that I created on the event. Like the iBooks that the students created, the Whiskey Rebellion iBook contains various interactive features that help bring the event to life for students! I almost forgot to mention that last Thursday, Elizabeth Forward Middle School celebrated another Culture Day! The focus of this Culture Day was the country of Morocco. Students were introduced to some basic facts on Morocco through Quizlet and played several rounds of Quizlet Live. Then students used a Morocco Travel Guide application and designed their own itineraries as if they were traveling to the country. Students researched the history of Morocco, the sights to see, the major cities, wildlife, language, foods, sports, etc. and included these in their itineraries. Students used a variety of applications to design their itineraries, with Pic Collage, Prezi, Google Slides, and Keynote being the most popular. I would also like to say thank you to everyone who has said congratulations on my recent honor of being named a PBS Digital Innovator for 2017! Not only do I consider myself very fortunate to be the recipient of this award, but I also consider myself to be very lucky to work with some of the most talented and inspiring educators and students! Thanks again! Period 2 Federalist Paper iBook Period 5 Federalist Paper iBook
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Mr. Steve Hartnett
Mr. Hartnett will update the Room 212 Blog with classroom updates on a regular basis. Be sure to follow me on Twitter @ MrHartnett212 Archives
July 2019
Categories |