Library of Uses › Visual/Perf Arts

5th grade music/video project from Elissa Reichstein

Description

This is a VoiceThread project that was created by one of my 5th grade students. I believe it shows an interesting way to use VoiceThread to motivate learning and celebrate student interests and accomplishments.

Benefits to students

• VoiceThread notes: Students learn to use technology and complete a creative project.
• Students learn ways to discuss learning outside of school with family and friends.
• Students learn to use online applications and tools to share a completed project in a format that can be viewed again and shared with friends, parents and peers anywhere in the world.
• Students receive and respond to feedback from peers and teachers.

Process/Assignment

First, my students learned about Mozart. Together, we read about his life and listened to some of the music that he composed. Next, this student created a storyboard and a script. He then created the movie using Stop Animation software. After showing it to me, we decided that VoiceThread would be the perfect forum to encourage viewing and comments. This created an opportunity for me to once again discuss copyright laws. The student then needed to "site his sources and materials".

I am an elementary school classroom music teacher. This was an outgrowth of a "Composer Research" assignment.

Challenges or setbacks

I didn't find any part of the project to be confusing or difficult.

Because I teach all the children in my school, and I want to share this resource with as many students as possible, my "list" has many names. When choosing to "share" the projects, I often "reach my limit" or it takes a very long time to send the invites out. This "share" process is a bit confusing for me. I am not sure why it needs to be there, since there is also a "search" function on VoiceThread.

Tools

We used Animation software to create the project that was uploaded.

Tips

I would definitely spend time "building and planning" the project. The story board is very important. I have tried to explain the importance of scripting whatever dialogue will be included on the projects as well.

Initially, my students became so excited about VoiceThread being a place that they could share their photos, etc. that it became a place to upload slideshows. I have learned that it is ok to decide against "mounting" a project that does not exhibit creative thinking and/or planning.

Variations

In the future, we will be uploading some of our music compositions and asking for comments and critiques. Next year, I plan to upload and share some of the plays that my students are writing and filming.

The VoiceThread