Create Fun Interactives using Hyperlinks in PowerPoint

Many use hyperlinks to direct people to information such as websites by highlighting text. In PowerPoint you can add links to shapes by creating an invisible hyperlink.

This can be done by drawing a shape, selecting it and then finding the Action Button (2003 version will find it under Slideshow; later versions will find it under Insert). You then select which slide you want to link to the shape. Think of it as the first slide as the main page and the other slides are hidden behind it. This process adds more interactivity to PowerPoint and is a useful tool for Interactive White Boards.

There are many ways to use this process:

Create a Non-Linear slide: Create a Mindmap or picture and link the slides, rather than sequential

Create a Quiz or Game: You can create a quiz for students or they could make their own. Create a multiple choice and when the students select the correct answer they see a picture and sound.

Choose your own adventure: Add interest to story writing by asking students to write different alternatives to their story, the reader can choose the different options.

Create an Interactive Map: Take a screenshot of a map, add a shape and place it on the map. Link the shape to a slide with information about the place.

Create Flash cards: when learning words or another language. Make a box with a word and link it to a slide with a matching picture. Make a box with Japanese script and link it to the sound.

This process can really be adapted to suit any subject area

Creating Characters

I love using online tools and apps which allow students to customise and develop their creativity.  There are many avatar makers and creature creators available.  I have updated this presentation to include a few new ones I have found.  I have also included a few ideas on how to use them in the classroom.

Creating Characters

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What is Creativity?

As an art teacher, I deal with the concept of 'creativity' everyday.  Now the word 'creativity' is used across the curriculum.  As educators, we are encouraged to promote the development of creativity in our students.  This raises the question, What is Creativity?

I decided to break it down and I came to my own conclusion.  I see creativity as a process.  There is a beginning, which is the task or problem and the end is an original creation or result.  The process in the middle is creativity.  This process incorporates a range of different skills.  When you look at these skills it soon becomes apparent why creativity is so important.  This process contributes to the development of learning skills.

Digital technology has created new methods and strategies which assist students and teachers to develop their creativity and provide engaging learning environments.

Here is a visual representation I have made of my perception of creativity.

The Process of Creativity 

Reflection on Digital Pedagogy

After winning a 2009 Smartclassroom Teacher's Award, I was asked to share what I do in my teaching via a web conference.  This activity made me reflect on how I structure tasks in my classrooms and how I choose them.  I decided to create this slide.  I am in the process of altering and updating this slide as it is constantly changing as I learn and develop as a teacher.

Reflection on My Digital Pedagogy

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The Wheel of Learning

This is a visual representation of my reflection on the use of technology in education.  It indicates factors which influence and shape digital pedagogy and elearning.