Lisa

= Communication using ICT =

= [|Monster Exchange] = = = The Monster Exchange is a highly motivational writing project. You can link up with other teachers through the website (or find teachers on epals.com, or others you know from other schools). Each child draws a monster, then writes a very detailed description of it. Classes swap descriptions, but keep the pictures hidden for now. They then draw their exchanged monster, just from the written description. Reveal original drawings and compare the results to see how good they were at describing and interpreting written text.

I did this with my class, with a class in Detroit. We used a wiki to post our work, but you can add it directly to the Monster Exchange website. You could change the project to suit whatever your classroom theme is (eg. describe a sea creature, person, house, etc).

The exchange I did with my class can be found here.

= [|Blogger] = My class blog is the window into and out of my classroom. Family, friends and our blogging buddies around the world can see what we're learning about, and we can use it to communicate with other children in real-life contexts. I also use it as a portal to our wikis, embedded items and other random bits and pieces we do in class.

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= [|Primary Pad] = Primary Pad is an online collaborative word processing tool. Use it for collaborative activities in any learning area. For example, I've used it with my Grade 2 class for Maths. They wrote addition sums that equal 20.

Try adding text to this Pad. media type="custom" key="6674229"

= [|BubblePly] = Bubbleply allows you to use any YouTube video and add written annotation to it, in the form of bubbles. I haven't tried it out with my class yet as I only discovered it yesterday, but I will definitely be using it soon!

Go [|here]to watch the demo video.

=[|ZooBurst]= Create online popup books. It allows you to write a story, as well as add speech bubbles to characters. It's in closed beta at the moment and you need to apply for an account. I'm waiting for mine to be processed and I can't wait. It looks fantastic. You can even make them 3D, using a webcam.

= [|Wallwisher] = Wallwisher is a virtual "wall" that allows you to add post-it notes. Try it and see for yourself! media type="custom" key="6674219"