weekly1-3-11


 * Weekly Activity - 1-3-11**
 * Digital Storytelling with Storybird**

__Activity #1__: Storybird is a easy-to-use digital storytelling tool that works in reverse. The students selects artwork and, then, write stories around those images. This technology can be used with students very easily and great stories can be created in just a few class periods. In addition, teachers can create student accounts - no need for student email. It is even possible to order paperback and hardback versions of books, if desired. Make one Storybird and post the link to your library wiki.

1. Go to http://storybird.com. Scroll about halfway down the page and click on the link "Teachers and Librarians" > Start here. Create your Storybird account. 2. Read some storybirds to see the possibilities. 3. Now, create your own Storybird. Click on "Create" > "Get inspired by art". "See more art" to get more choices. Click the blue "Reload" button to continue to see more artwork. Select an artist's work that appeals to you. Select "See all artwork" to see the full range of choices within that artist's work. If you like it, select "Start a Storybird" > "Jump in". 4. You will see the artwork scattered around the sides of the canvas. You can drag and rearrange the artwork to sort it in a convenient pattern. You can click on individual artwork to enlarge it for ease of viewing. 5. Select a piece of artwork that you would like to use for your first frame and drag it to the canvas. You can drag it from side to side to create a textbox for your words. 6. Click the plus button to continue to add pages and select artwork. Use the minus button to remove pages you no longer need. Add text to the pages as you work to create your short story or poem. Your work will auto-save, but you can also save it by clicking the "Save" button. 7. Click the Cover page at the first frame of your Storybird. Give your book a title. Change the cover art, if desired. 8. Go to "Menu" > "Publish this Storybird" at the top right. Add a summary, tags, and target age ranges. Make the Storybird public. Add the link to your Storybird at your library wiki. 9. Next, click on the "Classes" button. Watch the three short tutorials on how you can add and manage classes, students, and assignments. Storybird has promised some additional features in upcoming weeks, including the ability to embed Storybirds and to collaborate with other classes. Keep an eye out for new Storybird features.

Note: Although Storybird allows you to create accounts for your students, always monitor their work and, if you decide to have them make their work public, monitor comments. When publishing, Storybird defaults to the private setting, making it shareable only in email.

__Activity #2__: Write a journal reflection about your experiences in making a Storybird and how you might use it with your students.

__Activity #3__: Attend the weekly meeting on Tuesday, Jan 4. See the meeting agenda at this wiki for more information