Podcasting

https://www.msu.edu/~flackje1/geometryphotostory.wmv

https://www.msu.edu/~flackje1/geometryquizpodcast.mp3


These two lessons are both geometry-based and I would use them in fourth grade. These lessons can be backed up by this GLCE: Identify basic geometric shapes including isosceles, equilateral, and right triangles, and use their properties to solve problems (G.GS.04.02). The first lesson I would teach is about learning how to describe and draw geometric figures. This is a photostory where students describe and draw geometric figures to practice the proper names and apperance of each figure. The second lesson is a short quiz given through an audio podcast. This helps students see where they might still be struggling so they can review only what they do not know.

Teachers can use podcasting in a variety of ways. The main way I have seen podcasting used that I really like is to have students do news and radio reports about various topics. This type of activity teaches students about different subject areas like endangered species or sports and gives them the opportunity to present this information in a creative way. Audio podcasts such as these also give students practice speaking in either formal or informal ways. Teachers can also use podcasting the way I did: to present a lesson. While I do not think this is the best way to teach a lesson, it may be a good refresher for students as they are completing homework later on.

Properly Citing Images

Photo Attribution:

Original Image: "Vatican Museum Spiral Stairs"
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/74/202549889_5ac726093b.jpg
Author: nathangibbs

Released under an Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/deed.en

Before doing this assignment, I would have told the student to do the wrong thing. Usually what I do is search for images on google, copy and paste it where I need it, and include a link to the picture or website where the picture can be found. This is what I would have told the student to do. While this still gives some credit to the person who originally posted the picture, there is no way of being sure that the photo is allowed to be used and what kind, if any, license it has. Also, the picture may not even be the original; many times there is no way of knowing.

After doing this assignment, I know what to tell the student. I would tell her that the easiest way would be to search FlickrCC or CCSearch (I personally prefer FlickrCC). In doing this, she will know the images she is finding are the originals and that she has permission to use them. Then, I would have her cite the picture in the way I did above using the original title, image link, author, license type, and license link. I would have her embed the image and license links and also have the picture itself link back to the original page where she found the picture. While this takes a little longer than my previous method using google image search, it is a way to guarantee the original author gets the credit they deserve.