Fun Tech Tools: Searchon

I came across a fun, free resource from a YouTube user in the UK:  Searchon.  With this great little tool, you are able to create  a mini-snapshot video of whatever you like.  It can be personal, business, or just for fun!

 

Once you head over to http://www.youtube.com/searchon, you can begin a new project by clicking on the “Create Your Own” blue button.  Then, you have seven search terms to enter.  With each search term, you are able to choose the format it shows:  Web Search, Images, Maps, News, Blog Search, Product Search, or Books.  Customizing the content is the most fun!  After finishing your Content, click the blue “Next” button to choose your music.  There are 3 selections for each genre listed.  Click on the choices to preview the tracks before

selecting.  Hit the “Next” button once more to preview your finished project!  You are then able to save it by posting it to a YouTube account which supplies the embed code and link url.  Try one for yourself!  The finished project is only 35 seconds long..

 

How does this translate to use in the classroom?  Well, not much if YouTube and Google are blocked.  But, for those schools that are more liberal with their internet usage policies, there are a myriad of projects that could be completed!  I can see this tool being used for all ages of students.  The only difference may be the complexity and choice of search terms.  High schoolers may want to summarize a war, while elementary students could retell a story.  Personal stories can also be written by students to share with others.  Math classes can make videos to show examples of how math is used in the real-world.  Social Studies teachers can have children use maps to locate important places in their units of study.  Students can choose different topics, but it also might be interesting if a writing teacher gave a one word title and students came up with their own version.

 

I have created an example of a video about the Three Little Pigs that could have been done by an elementary-aged student.  Below that is a short clip of one I created first, just for fun about some of the projects I like to work on.  Have a great time watching both and please post YOUR examples on our facebook fan page!  We would love to see them!  Have fun!