This week we were require to explore the digital tools Images, Podcasts and Digital video.  I have completed a PMI digital tools.

IMAGES

I have always enjoyed taking photos and emailing them to family and friends to keep them updated.  So I have had some experience with the use of this digital tool.  Uploading and embedding images is somewhat new to me, however I found it quite easy to do.

Using images in the classroom is something that I had not considered before.   I can see how this can create an open ended discussion.  As you can only see a single image, it is not known what the complete picture represents and it is up to the imagination and interpretation of the learner.  As all students learn and think differently it is easily seen how individuals can come up with different ideas.

I could see myself using images in a biology class, where I would present an image of an aquatic landscape.  From this I could brainstorm ideas to see what the interpretation of that landscape is.  For example a polluted creek, erosion, is it man made or perhaps a result of some natural disaster, appearances of vegetation and wildlife.  It would be great to see what the students know and what they don't know, whilst engaging them and having them think like a scientist.  After brainstorming I could then inform the class on the real outcome and gauge their reaction- how close were they.

PODCASTS

Before exploring this tool I had only ever heard of the term podcast.  I had no idea what it was or where to find it let alone how to create one.  I did find it relatively easy to do once I got the program to work for me.  I can see that advantages to it, especially since you can subscribe to the podcasts on itunes.  I like that you are able to record vocal information at any given time and add images later.

This is a really creative and fun way for students to present their work.  For instance an application of a podcast could be during a field trip.  Students could record their vocals whilst they are actually on the site, what they see at that point in time.  Whilst creating their podcast they can add in any images they have taken on the field trip that will give more of a complete picture of what they have seen on the field trip.  This is then able to be shared with other students. 

DIGITAL VIDEO

I have taken lots of video footage of my children over the years, I have never downloaded that footage before, it was all sitting on my camcorder.  I did have a few problems creating a movie, mainly due to formatting-I think.  Once I found a way around these problems I had a lot of fun.  I experimented with a few formatting tools to make my creation look more professional.  I found uploading my movie pretty easy.
 
I have noticed in my ICT course notes there are a lot of Youtube clips, I have found this really engaging and it helps me to visualise the meaning of the information.  It really breaks up the readings and it doesn't really seem like you are studying.  This is invaluable for today's learner.  I think that this is a great tool for teaching and reaching out to students. 

The flip slide of this is having students create their own movies to present to the class, it would be a fun way of assessing their knowledge.  I would probably have students present experimental results in this way.  For example they could show their experimental design as still images, then use digital video to record the progress of their experiment at different stages.  Finally they can combine all the still images and recorded footage to create a movie showing design right through to conclusion.