Group+B+Web+Service

Group B's Read/Write Web Service =Shidonni= URL: [|www.shidonni.com]Shidonni is a place online where kids and parents can make their drawings come to life! Students can draw an animal, create a background, add food for their pets, and more. Their drawing is then animated with the click of a button. Students can also play games and interact with friends. The best part is that kids can play and share games and interact with each other in a **safe** online environment. In the classroom, I predict that kids will LOVE the interaction this site provides. It is really simple to use, but the results are intriguing; in fact, I believe Kindergarteners can learn it, and it will also keep fifth graders attentive. The only programming required is a download of Silverlight, a plug-in for your Internet browser.
 * Description of the Tool/Service


 * Educational Examples or Potential Educational Uses
 * Students can create a digital story using the pet they have created. They can narrate the story and place it online for others to see.
 * Students can create a class pet and blog about their experience. This way they can have the class pet without having the real mess that comes along with it. The can blog their experience for others to see.
 * For the younger students, Shidonni would give them practice interacting with the computer and manipulating the mouse. It would also be a great introduction for the younger students to drawing programs. They could use the site to illustrate stories that they are creating.
 * Shidonni is a great place for students to learn by trial and error; they can learn that mistakes are okay as long as you learn how to fix them. I think this would be a great program for students to teach themselves how to use new technology by exploring it.

Shidonni requires a free download of Microsoft Silverlight. Students can use the site without being a member, but won’t be able to save anything. Membership is free. Sign up here: URL: [|www.shidonni.com].
 * How To Get Started