PixnTell in the Third Grade - Guest Post

Digital Storytelling is a great way to explain and/or assess a new concept with students. When I taught 3rd grade, we used the PixnTell app to explain daily procedures. I split my students into teams of two or three and had them complete a digital story explaining how to do a certain classroom procedure. This was a classroom management strategy, along with a great way to introduce new students to our classroom. I didn’t give a lot of directions with this assignment because I knew the students would be explicit and focused on our objective for this activity. Students completed the digital stories and uploaded them to our classroom website, individual student blogs, and shared them with parents during conference time. All of my students took full credit for their final product and were very proud to show off the digital classroom procedures they created using the iPad. Some of the videos that students created were: lining up for lunch, tieing shoes, iPad responsibilities, and washing hands. The video embedded below was created by Kaylyn and Kylie about washing hands at school during the flu season.


I feel that this app could be used throughout K-12 education. I can see students creating “how to” videos in science labs, shop classes, or just around the school building by explaining general student responsibilities. Believing in your students can be a great teaching tool along with giving certain responsibilities to them will help create a safe and respectful place to learn. I can’t speak for all students, but the 3rd graders I worked with loved to be on camera. Digital storytelling apps like PixnTell can also be an engaging way to help share a new math concept or create new endings to a favorite book. I highly encourage you to start using digital storytelling apps with your lessons and in your classroom.

About the Guest Blogger
My name is Kelly Rexine and I currently work for EduTech. EduTech is a company affiliated with ITD and the State of North Dakota. My professional title is Information Technology Specialist for the west central part of ND. I work with educators around the state to help integrate technology into their current curriculum. I love learning about new ways that students can become more engaged in the classroom. Before my current position, I taught 3rd grade for the past three years. Please contact me with any questions or resources. I am always willing to share and learn with educators to increase student achievement.

Kelly Rexine
K-12 Educational IT Specialist
Phone: 701.595.0343
Email: Krexine@gmail.com
Blog: http://blogs.edutech.nodak.edu/westcentral
Twitter: @mrrexine