Book Report Alternatives - Part 2

When a teachers says "book reports" to students that often causes a lot of reluctance. Why not use technology as an alternative to book reports?  The options shared below were gathered from an article by Kelly Tenkley. Additional resources were also added. This is part 2...which means the final 5 options.

Book Report Alternatives continued: 

1. Create a bookcast audio of their book.
• Bookcast is the same concept as podcasting. Students are creating an audio that acts as a book review.
• Technology resources:
• Audacity - click here to download (6-12)
• PodBean - must create an account (4-12)
2. Create timeline of events from their book.
• Timeline creator via Teachnology: click here to begin (K-6)
• Capzles - interactive timeline creator. Can add photos, video, audio, and text. Perfect for secondary students. (8-12)
3. Share book reviews on a wiki.
• Create a classroom book review wiki where students can logon and add book and their review. 
• Technology resources:
• Wikis in Education by WetPaint - click here to begin
• Zoho Wiki - click here to begin
• Wikispace - click here to begin
4. Create interactive and collaborative slideshow using VoiceThread.
• Students create a slideshow summary of their book using pictures, audio, and text.
• Other students can then leave text, audio, or comments on the book reviews.
• Click here to begin.
5. Create a book trailer using AnimotoEDU.
• Teachers can apply for an educational account that allows them access to the Premium features free for 6 months. As a teacher, you will receive a code that can be distributed to 50 users for 6 months free of premium services. 
• For younger students, I recommend setting up class accounts with the promotional code. This way you can monitor videos being created by your students. Students can then email you their video once finished.
• Click here to begin.

Book Report Alternatives - Part 1

When a teachers says "book reports" to students that often causes a lot of reluctance. Why not use technology as an alternative to book reports?  The options shared below were gathered from an article by Kelly Tenkley. Additional resources were also added. This is part 1...which means the first 5 options.

First 5 Alternatives to Book Reports:

1. Create a cartoon version of the book they have just read.
• Students create a short cartoon or comic strip summarizing the book, interview two characters from the book, or have a cartoon character review the book.
• Technology resources:
• Kerpoof - use "tell a story" icon (K-5)
• ToonDoo - comic strip creator, must create an account (6-12)
• Make Beliefs Comics - comic strip creator (6-12)
2. Create a short video clip about the book.
• Technology resources:
• Kerpoof - use "make a movie" icon (K-5)
• AnimotoEDU - must create an account (6-12)
• FlixTime - must create an account, 60 sec videos free (6-12)
3. Create a virtual poster advertising the book.
• Technology resources:
• EDUGlogster - must create a teacher account (4-12)
• Kerpoof - use "make a picture" (K-3)
4. Create virtual bookshelves.
•  A nice alternative to reading logs would be to create  a virtual bookshelf and write reviews of the books students read. Teachers can use Shelfari to create a class bookshelf and allows students to add books. share book recommendations, and post book reviews. Click here to start a virtual bookshelf.
5. Create Book Adventure account.
• Teachers create student accounts in Book Adventure. (K-8)
• Students select books based on their reading level, age, and interests.
• Students read a book and then take a 10 question multiple choice quiz based on that book.
• Students earn quiz points to purchase items in the Book Adventure store. 
• Click here to begin using Book Adventure.