Creating with Technology

Creating, Not ConsumingA Year of Purposeful Technology Integration

⌛ 4 minute read
This school year, technology integration across grades 3–6 continued to focus on purposeful creation, communication, computational thinking, and digital citizenship. As the Digital Learning Specialist, I collaborate with classroom teachers to design and co-teach lessons that integrate meaningful technology experiences into classroom learning.

 

 

Students explored a wide range of digital literacy and computer science topics throughout the year, including online safety, digital footprints, privacy, plagiarism, misinformation, deepfakes, AI literacy, responsible technology use, and device distraction.
Students also engaged in computational thinking and coding experiences through Scratch, Sphero, Lego WeDo, Makey Makey, Hour of Code, and Hour of AI activities.

Using Chromebooks within our Google for Education environment, students regularly created and collaborated using Google apps, Canva, WeVideo, and Book Creator. These tools supported authentic student creation through multimedia presentations, digital publishing, coding projects, video production, and collaborative design experiences.
Canva played an especially significant role in supporting graphic design and visual communication skills across grade levels. Students created infographics, posters, awareness campaigns, and presentations connected to classroom curriculum while exploring design principles such as layout, typography, visual hierarchy, color, and audience awareness.


Throughout the year, students were guided by essential technology questions such as:
How can technology support creativity and communication?What responsibilities do we have as digital citizens?How can we evaluate the reliability of digital information?How can computational thinking support problem-solving?How do design choices influence communication and audience understanding?
These experiences align closely with the Massachusetts DLCS Standards, particularly within the strands of Computing and Society, Digital Tools and Collaboration, Computing Systems, and Computational Thinking.
Across the learning year, technology experiences emphasized creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking in all content areas. Whether students were coding in Scratch, designing projects in Canva, producing green screen videos, or examining topics such as misinformation, deepfakes, and responsible digital citizenship, digital tools were used to support authentic learning, creative expression, and thoughtful problem-solving.

Redefining Literacy in grade 4

Studio 17Ever WonderEpisode 1, Map Skills

Students of the Hive (grade 4, Davis/Valzania) have been transformed into producers, directors, screen writers, actors and more!  As part of a generous grant from B.E.S.T., students have been taking their learning into the world of video production.  Their first episode, Map Skills, asked a small production team from Studio 17, the After Effects Agency, to dig deep and remember everything they learned about map skills.  The team then created a "tv show" based on map skills, complete with skits, commercials and more.

In today's digital age, being literate no longer means just being able to read and write. With the rise of social media and video content, it has become essential for students to be able to create and understand video content as well. As such, redefining literacy for students to include video creation is a necessary step.

Video creation can be a powerful tool for students to express their ideas, thoughts, and creativity. It allows them to present information in a more engaging and visually appealing way, making it easier for their audience to understand and retain the information. In addition, video creation can also enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as students must plan, storyboard, and edit their videos.

Of course, video creation should not replace traditional literacy skills such as reading and writing, but rather complement them. It is essential for students to be able to communicate effectively in various forms, and video creation is becoming an increasingly important one.

Redefining literacy for students to include video creation is an important step in preparing them for the digital age. It can help enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as provide a creative outlet for students to express themselves. By incorporating video creation into the curriculum, students can develop the necessary skills to thrive in a world where digital media is becoming increasingly prevalent.

Technology Essential Questions:

How does this digital tool help improve collaboration and/or communication?

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:

3-5.DTC.a.3; 3-5.DTC.b.1

Grade 4

Poetry Jam Sessions

The Spofford Pond School Green Screen studio has seen a lot of action recently.

In celebration of their recent discoveries during a unit on writing poetry, Mr. Duffy's fourth grade class used the space to perform their original pieces.  Poets spent time perfecting their work, practicing their lines and then performing them on camera. 

Here are a few BTS (behind the scenes) moments:

Check out a few of their finished products:

Technology Essential Questions:

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

Are there technological solutions or enhancements to supplement what is being taught?

Why is exploration and creation an important part of learning?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:

3-5.DTC.a.3; 3-5.DTC.b.1

Polar VorTechs Video Club

Check Out Our Creations

The Polar VorTechs video club (grade 6) meets once per week to dive deeper into the world of video production.  Students come together as writers, directors, cinematographers, audio technicians, editors, talent, and more (you name it!) to produce short videos clips to share with the Spofford Community.

Here is one of our productions from this winter:

Stay tuned!  There is more to come!

Technology Essential Questions:

How does this digital tool help improve collaboration and/or communication?

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

Green Screen

TITANIC SURVIVOR INTERVIEWS

Students in Mrs. Sitak's fourth grade class recently completed their study of of the H.M.S Titanic.  One part of the project asked students to step back in time and conduct interviews with real-life survivors.  Student "reporters" researched and asked appropriate questions.  Student "survivors" researched a real-life Titanic survivor and answered the questions as they imagined that person might have answered them. Using the Green Screen app and iMovie we created video versions of these mock interviews.



Technology Essential Questions:

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

How can we use this software to address the different needs, learning styles, interests and abilities of students?

Grade 4 Green Screen

Titanic Survivor Interviews

Students in Ms. Sitak's fourth grade class recently completed their study of of the H.M.S Titanic.  One part of the project asked students to step back in time and conduct interviews with real-life survivors.  Student "reporters" researched and asked appropriate questions.  Student "survivors" researched a real-life Titanic survivor and answered the questions as they imagined that person might have answered them. Using the Green Screen app and iMovie we created video versions of these mock interviews.

Grade 4 Behind the Scenes

Technology Essential Questions:

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

How can we use this software to address the different needs, learning styles, interests and abilities of students?

Grade 3 Winter Poems

Mrs. Cronin's Class Chills in Front of the Green Screen with Winter Poems

Mrs. Cronin's third grade class used the space to perform their Winter poems.  Actors arrived in costume with their lines perfectly prepared, their set design chosen and

snowflakes flying.

Check out a few of their frosty poetry readings!

Technology Essential Questions:

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

Are there technological solutions or enhancements to supplement what is being taught?

Why are exploration and creation an important part of learning?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:

3-5.DTC.a.3; 3-5.DTC.b.1

Third Grade Movie Makers

Fun in the Green Screen Studio

The Spofford Pond School Green Screen studio has seen a lot of action recently.

First, Mrs. Cronin's third grade class used the space to perform their Halloween poems.  Actors arrived in costume with their lines perfectly prepared, their set design chosen and

their masks decorated.

Check out a few of their spooky poetry readings!

Then, Mrs. Holt's third grade class used the space to demonstrate their yoga skills.  Yogis took the stage to create a wonderful video of the mindful exercises they practice in their classroom.

Check out a few of their peaceful stretches!

Technology Essential Questions:

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

Why is creation an important part of learning?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework

3-5.DTC.a.3; 3-5.DTC.b.1

Grade 4 Green Screen Digital Postcards

Grade 4 State Fair Students in grade 4 held a class-wide State Fair on Friday, June 2.  Each student researched and presented information on one of the fifty U.S. States (and Puerto Rico!). Students also created and sent a digital postcard from their virtual visit to their state. Check it out!

Technology Essential Questions:

How does this digital tool help improve collaboration and/or communication?

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:

3-5.DTC.a.3; 3-5.DTC.b

Specialists' Night 2017

Specialists' Night 2017
Thank you to all members of the Spofford Pond Community who came out to Specialists' Night last Tuesday, May 23rd.  We had a great turnout!  It is wonderful to be able to share student projects with you and show off their hard work!
In the DIY Den attendees saw projects created with Explain Everything, Book Creator and Drawing Pad.  They also got to see how the Green Screen studio and app works.

Middle East Peace Summit Simulation

Ms. Valzania's Grade 6 Social Studies Classes Middle East Studies As a culminating project at the end of their studies of the Middle East, students in Ms. Valzania's social studies sections participated in a Middle East Peace Summit simulation. Students broke into four groups, each representing an Israeli or Palestinian party, and were tasked with coming up with a plan to achieve peace between Israel and Palestine. Students presented their plans, complete with Google Slides presentations, to the other parties.  Groups then voted on which proposal they believed would bring lasting peace to the Middle East.
These simulations took place in our green screen studio.  We videoed (in one take!) the event and edited the tape to create the "televised" portion of the summit.

Final Productions: Ms. Valzania's Class:

The final productions for other sections can be seen by following these links: Ms. Magee's Class Ms. Sierpina's Class

Technology Essential Questions:

How does this digital tool help improve collaboration and/or communication?

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?
2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework 6-8.DTC.b.1; 6-8.DTC.a.4; 6-8.DTC.c.4; 6-8.CT.e

Grade 5 Green Screen

Fifth grade students in Mrs. Medugno's and Mrs. Bouffard's social studies classes recently wrapped up their studies of Early Explorers.  As a culminating project, using Green Screen and iMovie, they created an episode of "Family Feud" starring explorers such as Francisco Coronado and Henry Hudson.  Students came up with the questions, modified a script, created props, acted and worked behind the scenes. Survey Says!  It was a blast!

Technology Essential Questions:

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

Grade 5 Social Studies Framework 5.3

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework 3-5.CAS.b.1, 3-5.DTC.a.3, 3-5.DTC.b.1, 3-5.CS.a.1, 3-5.CA.a.2

Global Read Aloud Tableau

Third graders in Mrs. Holt's class are reading Roald Dahl's The BFG as part of the Global Read Aloud.  As part of their reading comprehension assessment, the class created tableaus.  A tableau is a play where you don't move.  Students freeze in poses that show what characters in the story are doing in a particular scene.  It's like a living photograph from the book! If you have read The BFG, can you guess what scenes these tableaus are depicting? Technology Essential Questions:

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:

3-5.DTC.b.1, 3-5.CS.a.1

Grade 3 Poetry Slam

Students in Ms. Holt's Third Grade recently hosted a Poetry Slam. Styled in Beatnik tradition, Hipsters, dressed in cool rags, took turns at the mic sharing their poetry.  It was a real hootenanny! Hope you dig our groovy flick! Technology Essential Question How can we use this software to create original and innovative projects?

Specialists' Night 2016

Spofford Pond Specialists held an open house on May 31, 2016 for families to see all the great projects students have been working on during the school year. In the Green Screen Studio participants got a chance to try Green Screening live. Finished grade level projects from the school year were available for viewing too!

Green Screen 2016

Technology Essential Questions:

How does this digital tool help improve collaboration and/or communication?

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

Ms. Viviani's Social Studies Classes

Digital Postcards from the USA Students in grade 4 created digital postcards to tell their friends and family back home all about their virtual trip to a U.S State. Check it out! Technology Essential Questions:

How does this digital tool help improve collaboration and/or communication?

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

Grade 4 Common Core Standards:  RI.4.10; SL.4.4; SL.4.5

Grade 4: Visiting the Titanic

Students in Ms. Viviani's social studies class had the pleasure of reenacting the early moments of the 1912 voyage of the RMS Titanic, prior to its impending fate. Historical costumes, a fancy dinner and music from that time period set the mood in Room 17b. Enjoy this quick video of voyagers on Titanic as it leaves the port: Technology Essential Question: How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

The Polar VorTechs interview the Green Team

The Polar VorTechs recently interviewed the Spofford Pond School Green Team. Enjoy!
Technology Essential Question: How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

Polar VorTechs

The Polar VorTechs are Spofford Pond School's Student led IT crew. Twelve students from Grades 5 & 6 meet weekly during their lunch/recess block to learn about our school's technology. They also use technology to gather information on school happenings and to highlight Spofford community members and groups.
Their first episode includes an ad about the crew members, an interview with the Principal and even some messages from "Mom".
Enjoy!
Technology Essential Question: How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

Green Screen in Grade 5

Technology Integration with Mrs. Wiles-Stasko's Social Studies Classes Students have been studying explorers during social studies over the past few weeks.  As a culminating project, they were asked to "interview" a famous explorer. Here is the assignment criteria:

  

Next students spent time creating and memorizing their skits:

 

Then it was time to enter the Green Screen Studio and tape their skits.  We had camera operators, directors, set managers and talent working collaboratively to make it happen!  "Quiet on set!"

Finally, we took our segments to the editing room and used Green Screen and iMovie to put on the final touches.
Enjoy!

Technology Essential Questions:

How does this digital tool help improve collaboration and/or communication?

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?