Today was great as we were able to try some of the tools ourselves. My biggest discovery is that the HP mini's aren't robust enough to support the more complex digital storytelling projects. Movie Maker freezes repeatedly whne you are trying to edit!  What a drag - I will have to reread the contract on the lease to see what can be done to solve this problem.  It's okay! Some of my biggest learnings are from my biggest challenges. I am excited about how much we were exposed to - I think some were overwhelmed but it's good to be stretched a bit and to move out of your comfort zone. Also just being exposed to all these new concepts and ideas and tools is wonderful.  It was terrific to see everyone's projects.  Totally fun to see everyone's creative side. I can't wait to see what the KPS students come up with. 

Wow! What a day! Today we had the first of a two day workshop on digital storytelling with Sylvia Tolisano, author of the Langwitches Blog.  We discussed 21st century learning skills, media literacy, Twitter, Copyright & Fair Use and a host of digital storytelling tools including Animoto, Mixbook, Photostory, Google Maps, Audacity, Voice Thread and Movie Maker. We are all supposed to create a short digital storytelling project to share with the group tomorrow. It was wonderful to see the collaboration happening not only among the KPS teachers but also with the teachers from Hanalei, Kilauea and Kanuikapono  School. We learned so much from Silvia and from each other.  What I REALLY appreciated was seeing all the examples of what can be done with elementary age students. Often, I read and hear things like, "Well my students won't be able to do that", or "My students are too young for that" so it was great to see/hear lower elementary examples. This was a perfect continuation of our work with Jason Ohler and Kumu MauliOla in early August. (has it already been a month since those session????). Another favorite thing was the creativity displayed with the Jose projects/trips. How wonderful for those students to be able to get a glimpse into other cultures through the eyes of a teddy bear!


Anyways, I'm pleased as can be with the learning and the teamwork. Again, I am so blessed to work with such amazing educators!  Can't wait until tomorrow!