iLearn Technology

Aviary Peacock

I hope that you all had a blessed Christmas! What I learned this year is that even though I take a break from posting, spammers do NOT break for holidays and other bloggers tend to blog MORE when they have a break to do so. This means that #1 I have a lot of spam to sort through and #2 it has taken me a long time to get through my Google Reader! I am finally getting around to a post that I intended to do several days ago (actually 3 posts) all on the Aviary creative suite of tools. So, without further ado- here it is… What it is: Aviary is a website on a mission to make creativity more accessible. They do this by making powerful image software available online (no download required) and with free versions of the online software. Aviary has four different offerings: Peacock, Phoenix, Toucan, and Raven. Because each tool does something different, I am going to break it down into four posts. Peacock is a “visual laboratory”that lets students experiment with pixel based images in fun ways. Students can create pixel images applying filters (this will feel similar to other image editors such as Adobe). Students can also blend several pixel based images together to create images. These pixel images would make great backgrounds for other documents, web pages, or other Aviary tools. Students can also upload “resources” or pictures from their computers or other sources to manipulate in Peacock. Peacock easily integrates with the other Aviary tools switching images quickly between the applications. This makes the possibilities for creativity endless. How to integrate Peacock into the classroom: Aviary Peacock is a neat way for students to explore and experiment with visual arts. The application really does feel like a laboratory. Students start out with one image of their choosing and can manipulate the image with different filters, blenders, etc. to come up with completely new images. It is interesting to experiment with the different ‘ingredients’ to see how an image can be transformed. Peacock can be used to create backgrounds for web pages, documents, or other Aviary creations. Peacock can also be used to help students understand cause and effect as they manipulate images. Tips: Aviary Phoenix and Peacock are both in beta right now. Be sure to check out the Peacock overview video to get an idea of how Peacock works. Leave a comment and tell us how you are using Aviary Peacock in your classroom.

Book Adventure

Posted by admin | Posted in Language Arts, Primary Elementary, Secondary Elementary, Websites | Posted on 19-07-2007

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What it is: http://bookadventure.org is a valuable tool for your reading program. Book Adventure is a FREE reading motivation program for kindergarten- eighth grade students. Students can create their own book lists from over 7,000 recommended titles, take multiple choice quizzes on the books they’ve read, and earn points and prizes for their literary successes. Teachers automatically get students quiz scores in the teacher area. You can print out automatically generated notes home with each students information plugged in. You can start online book groups where students can read and discuss their comprehension of the book with other students. This site is so easy for students and teachers alike and is a simple way to integrate technology into your classroom.

How to integrate Book Adventure into your reading curriculum: The first step is signing up at http://bookadventure.org. Order a free Teacher’s Guide from the teachers page. Whether you have a one to two computer classroom, access to a computer lab, or mobile lab, you can use this tool to enhance your current reading curriculum. Students are so motivated by this program (even the most reluctant readers)! If you have computers in your classroom you can allow students to use Book Adventure as they finish books. Create a Book Adventure sign up sheet (or use the one I provided below). As a student completes a book, they can log into Book Adventure and take a multiple choice quiz and track their points. I allow students to do this during silent reading time or free time. If you don’t have computer access in your classroom, set goals with your students so that they are all ready to use Book Adventure at the same time and use a computer lab or mobile lab.

Tips: Although Book Adventure is geared for k-8 education, it would be difficult to use in kindergarten or first grade without an adult. I have used Book Adventure with second graders very successfully.

Make a bookmark for Book Adventure so that it is easily accessible. This way your students will save time getting to the site.