In this
article, we learn about a Web 2.0 tool that is called Sketchfu. It is a helpful
tool for the classroom that allows a teacher to draw or write something, and
then watch the process of how it was done. The teacher that uses this great
tool says that some people might not understand the value in this, but that it
definitely serves a purpose. The tool can be used for showing processes such
as: math problem solving, a scientific process, laying out events in history and
more! When teachers have a Sketchfu account, students are also able email and
comment on each others drawings. All teachers have to do is create a free
account to get started. The author does state that there are some drawbacks
such as privacy issues and advertisements however the author believes that the
benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
I
think that this would be very helpful and also fun for my future students. I
really like the idea of being able to play back steps for students over and
over for them to see. If I were teaching younger children I could see myself
using this for simple math and perhaps letting the students draw pictures that
correspond to our lessons. With older students such as sixth grade, I could use
it for math as well and also for enhancing my history or language arts lessons.
I would feel concerned about the privacy issue with the tool. I would hope that
this would be addressed by the time I become a teacher.
This
article represents ISTE standards for students number one, which states that
students “develop innovative products and processes using technology”. The
students demonstrate this by drawing pictures with the tool. Standard number
two is met, which states that students “use digital media to communicate and
work collaboratively”. The students show this by being able to comment on each
others drawings and email each other. Standard number four is met, which states
that students “solve problems using appropriate digital tools and resources”.
The students do this by watching the playback of the steps of the drawing to
learn about the topic.
Fabricant, Autumn. (2010). Sketchfu in the classroom. Learning & Leading with Technology. 5(37),
31.
Diana,
ReplyDeleteThis app seems a lot like others we have discussed throughout the semester: you can write or draw and then replay. Thank you for informing us about another resource! Maybe apps will soon become competitive for those 5 stars since they need money to operate.
As for the teaching aspect of this app, Sketchfu, I first thought of art. Art is something that is slowly fading out in schools because of the Common Core and other budget reasons. But Sketchfu seems to take another approach on art: virtual art. Now, we can teach how to draw a house or we can teach how to write the letter 'S' to Kindergarteners! We just keep hitting 'replay' and the app keeps reteaching!
Diana,
ReplyDeleteThis app is great! I believe it will be very beneficial for both students and teachers. If this allows teachers to replay, email to students, and students are allowed to comment is awesome. I would definitely use this app with my future students. This is a great way for students to learn and communicate with the teacher; specially when they have questions or do not like to ask during class time. Great article, Diana!