Have you ever found yourself sitting in a group discussion or class and wondering to yourself, "when am I ever going to use this?" That was me a couple years ago when people would talk technology. Last time I checked, technology and water do not mix, or do they? I have found myself using technology within my swimming classes more now than I ever imagined possible. Students use technology to complete a swimming questionnaire prior to coming to the pool through a Google Form. Then when students sit out of class he or she logs into My Big Campus and completes work for that given day. But what I really want to talk about is how I have used YouTube with the tenth grade swimming classes. | |
This fall I had the opportunity to teach tenth graders that I had last year in ninth grade. So I found myself asking the question of how can I make this year different. Luckily for me all the students had his or her own iPad and had a year under their belts on how to use them. Then we were able to start using YouTube in our classes. (Click here for information on how to activate a YouTube channel.)
SwimTechniqueTV: Butterfly Video | So I had each student subscribe to the channel SwimTechnique TV. On this channel I could have students watch videos on stroke technique based on what we were covering in class. The videos were a great learning tool because it allowed the students to see what the arms and legs should look like under the water. This was a big help when teaching the butterfly and breaststroke lessons. I would have students watch the video the night before and then we could discuss the following day. This channel also proved to be a great resource to assist in students' learning. |
The other component that I discovered was to showcase students' iMovie trailers that each group created. Students split up in groups and picked from a list of swimming techniques to showcase in a movie trailer. Then students placed their groups trailer onto YouTube and copied their link into our group in My Big Campus. Each student then had to watch one of the iMovie trailers and provide feedback to that group. I think the students enjoyed completing something that was more in depth than just swimming laps. Each group built upon his or her two years of swimming and made something that was meaningful. I have included a few links for your enjoyment.
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Who knew technology and swimming could work out? I am glad I gave technology a try and I think you should too!