REBEL Primary Module 5

Tools for creating multimedia resources

There are lots of digital tools which can be used by teachers and pupils to create multimedia resources. In this module, we will focus on Adobe Express, Book Creator and Audacity.

Do you currently use any of these tools (or any others) to create multimedia resources? If so, <a href="https://www.menti.com/swpgz1durw">please share them here</a>.

Participants will have a better understanding of: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Digital storytelling How to create digital stories using Book Creator and Adobe Express Podcasting How to create a podcast

Universal Design for Learning

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework promoting flexible teaching, learning and assessment practices to cater for the diversity of pupils in our classrooms. UDL provides multiple ways for pupils to access information, engage with materials and demonstrate their learning.

To learn more about UDL and how it can be used by teachers to meet the needs of their pupils in a blended context, watch this video.

Further information on inclusion is available in the <a href="https://sites.google.com/pdst.ie/rebel-primary/inclusion?authuser=0">REBEL toolkit</a>.

UDL Overview

Book Creator is an easy to use digital book maker available online. A variety of media can be imported into the book and voiceovers and text added. The completed book can be shared in a variety of ways. 

This video describes how to create a digital story using the Book Creator <a href="https://bookcreator.com/">website</a>. You can also access Book Creator via an <a href="https://apps.apple.com/ie/app/book-creator-for-ipad/id442378070">iPad app</a>.

Book Creator Tutorial

The process for creating a podcast is different to the process that is followed when creating a digital book or video. Podcast episodes have three basic elements: the introduction, main content and summary. Intro and outro music can be added as bookends to your podcast.  

Pupils can use podcasts in the classroom to interview each other or a visitor to the classroom, tell stories, create newscasts, hold debates, run radio shows or report on any class activity.

How could you use Book Creator, Adobe Express or a podcasting tool to present information to the pupils in your class?

How could pupils use Book Creator, Adobe Express or a podcasting tool to express their learning and understanding?

Planning for Storytelling

A storyboard is a series of sketches or images and notes meant for pre-visualising what you want to happen in a digital story. It provides a focus in the creation of the digital story so there is a clear plan to follow. These storyboards do not need background detail or colour, unless it is essential to the story. 

Storyboard.pdf

You can find <a href="https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/downloads/storyboard-template/#pdf-storyboard-templates">free storyboard templates online</a>, or draw your own. Alternatively, click on the image above to access a storyboard template.&nbsp;&nbsp;

What is Digital Storytelling?

Digital storytelling enables pupils to create multimedia resources using images, voice, text and music which can be shared with peers and the wider community.&nbsp;

Benefits of Digital Storytelling

Create at least one resource that you will use to teach a topic during the Blended Learning initiative using one of the following: Book Creator, Adobe Express or a podcasting tool. Share this resource (along with a brief note on why you have used the tool you chose and how you will use the resource to support pupil learning) on <a href="https://padlet.com/OIDEDIGTECH/primary-rebel-module-5-padlet-66emcw315r5weo76">Padlet</a>. You can scan the QR code to access the <a href="https://padlet.com/OIDEDIGTECH/primary-rebel-module-5-padlet-66emcw315r5weo76">Padlet</a> wall also.

Adobe Express

Teachers and pupils can easily create short digital story videos which combine text, images, video, icons, narration and music using Adobe Express. Completed videos can be shared in a variety of ways.

This video describes how to create a video presentation using the Adobe Express <a href="https://www.adobe.com/express/">website</a>. You can also create videos using the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/ie/app/adobe-spark-video/id852555131">iPad app</a> on the Apple Store.

Adobe Creative Cloud Express tutorial

Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)

Pupils may record their voice in a variety of native applications on laptops and mobile devices. However, to edit and combine different audio files, pupils will need access to a ‘Digital Audio Workstation’.&nbsp;

Audacity is a free Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). It works across multiple devices and does not require pupils to create an account. The video gives an introduction to Audacity.

Getting started with audacity

Garage Band is another excellent DAW if your school has access to Apple devices, such as iPads. It is a free tool that allows pupils to edit and mix audio easily.

Paid tools are available, such as Soundtrap, if your school decides to invest in software.&nbsp;

The Digital Storytelling Process

Digital storytelling involves: - Coming up with a story idea&nbsp; - Writing the script - Creating the storyboard to describe the content and direction of the story - Gathering multimedia files to support the story - Creating the story using a digital tool of choice - Reflecting upon the end product and identifying areas for improvement

This process is not always linear. For example, storytellers may start gathering their images before they write their script to inspire the story writing process.&nbsp;

Engaging: Pupils have the opportunity to consume or create content, supporting them to engage with content in different ways.&nbsp; Active Learning: Using podcasts enables pupils to construct new knowledge and build new skills leading to active learning. Oral Language: Pupils are given the opportunity to use their oral language skills in real-life situations.&nbsp; Digital Literacy Skills: Through podcasting, pupils can develop and use their digital literacy skills .

Click on the speaker icon throughout this digital book to listen to narration

Another tool that can be used for digital storytelling is podcasting. A podcast is a digital audio story created to share ideas, presentations or music.

If you assign a podcast for pupils as part of a blended learning activity, they can listen anywhere: on the school bus, walking home, or at home.&nbsp;This means that pupils will listen to podcasts for longer than they might spend on traditional homework, as it allows them to multitask.&nbsp;Just like reading a good book, a podcast allows pupils to picture what they’re listening to and create their own visual images in their minds.&nbsp;

Podcasts suitable for pupils on different subjects are available on this <a href="https://padlet.com/OIDEDIGTECH/primary-podcast-recommendations-48ah9j4me8ruooxk">Padlet</a>. Feel free to add any recommendations for additional suitable podcasts.

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