Southwest Michigan schools are developing ways to incorporate technology into their daily announcements. Using tech tools such as iMovie and Hangouts, these schools broadcast their announcements to the school community each day.
Mattawan Early Elementary technology teacher, Nick Travis, has been producing the Little Wildcat News since 2013. Second grade students visit the Library Media Center to record the school news, which airs the next day. The two anchors, with script in hand, are ready to announce the lunch menu and school activities. The weatherperson then gives the forecast using green screen technology. Mr. Travis combines this footage using templates he created in iMovie. Some second grade classes connect their writing skills into the creation of their own scripts. The second half of the year, first grade and kindergarten “take over” the news. Special guests make appearances, such as Principal Moore promoting character education. Photographs of students working in their classrooms to events such as the school wide Walk-a-Thon are showcased, including footage from Mr. Travis’ new drone. Teachers also provide student classroom content. With generous support from MEEPA (Mattawan Early Education Parent Association) and MPEF (Mattawan Public Education Foundation), Mr. Travis has been able to purchase the video equipment and subscription to Vimeo which is where you can find the Little Wildcat News Channel. Broadcasting Little Wildcat News has given students and teachers a platform to publish student work with an authentic audience, enhancing the sense of community at the school. One new feature has been “Sign of the Day,” during which a student who is hearing impaired provides a daily sign language lesson. As a parent, I witnessed first hand how much my own daughter’s self esteem increased when she was the weather girl for the week. As the Little Wildcat News Anchors say, “Make It A Great Day Or Not, The Choice Is Yours.”
Mattawan Early Elementary technology teacher, Nick Travis, has been producing the Little Wildcat News since 2013. Second grade students visit the Library Media Center to record the school news, which airs the next day. The two anchors, with script in hand, are ready to announce the lunch menu and school activities. The weatherperson then gives the forecast using green screen technology. Mr. Travis combines this footage using templates he created in iMovie. Some second grade classes connect their writing skills into the creation of their own scripts. The second half of the year, first grade and kindergarten “take over” the news. Special guests make appearances, such as Principal Moore promoting character education. Photographs of students working in their classrooms to events such as the school wide Walk-a-Thon are showcased, including footage from Mr. Travis’ new drone. Teachers also provide student classroom content. With generous support from MEEPA (Mattawan Early Education Parent Association) and MPEF (Mattawan Public Education Foundation), Mr. Travis has been able to purchase the video equipment and subscription to Vimeo which is where you can find the Little Wildcat News Channel. Broadcasting Little Wildcat News has given students and teachers a platform to publish student work with an authentic audience, enhancing the sense of community at the school. One new feature has been “Sign of the Day,” during which a student who is hearing impaired provides a daily sign language lesson. As a parent, I witnessed first hand how much my own daughter’s self esteem increased when she was the weather girl for the week. As the Little Wildcat News Anchors say, “Make It A Great Day Or Not, The Choice Is Yours.”
Using Google Hangouts, Principal April Margaritis instituted Delton Kellogg Middle School’s daily live announcements. Teachers join the Hangout each morning and Principal Margaritis provides them the School Creed, birthday recognitions, and school activities, among other things. This has helped teachers become more acclimated to video call technology, which is popular for virtual field trips and mystery meetings. Students have also connected more with their principal because they see her everyday. They anticipate her catchphrase, "Have a great day of teaching and learning!" and send her encouraging notes. Delton Kellogg Middle School teachers, students, and special guests have also begun anchoring the announcements. Mrs. Cantu even had a “guest dog.” Teachers anticipate this role will become an initiative for student success in the process of sharing information, collaborating with others, and enhancing their writing and presentation skills. There is always a learning curve to successfully integrating new technology. Principal Margaritis and the DKMS staff has shown persistence and a commitment to forward thinking.
Interested in learning more about creating digital content like announcements for your school? Join us at KRESA on April 27th at 4:40 for Creating Digital Content. Click here for more info, or register here.
Interested in learning more about creating digital content like announcements for your school? Join us at KRESA on April 27th at 4:40 for Creating Digital Content. Click here for more info, or register here.
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