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In brainstorming a list of resources that would help me to better prepare lessons that are designed to increase student participation in global and local learning communities, I found several useful sites. The best advice that I have heard or read about, suggests starting small. With this in mind, I will use one of the fifth grade teachers who is willing to participate in a cross-grade level communication activity. This will allow the student’s to become accustomed to the nature of sharing ideas, keeping a timeline, and proper blogging etiquette. The next stage would be to research appropriate local or even global collaboration projects that my students can participate in. In preforming a quick search, I found several resources that listed sites such as Geogames, Global School House, and many more. I also found many lesson suggestions for posting on Wikis or Glogster. The research process may be the most time consuming aspects to my GAME plan, but it is the most crucial. Learning from others trials and tribulations allows less experienced teachers to gain a wealth of knowledge that usually only comes with time. Unlike technological devices, when it comes to enriching student’s lives we do not have the time or freedom to haphazardly experiment and tinker with them until we figure it out.
Nicole,
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea of starting small. We have to remember that when we first learned and tried things (like riding a bike) we started out small (and didn't start out driving a motorcycle).
I would say if you wanted to take it even smaller you could have a collaboration with your students just in your classroom before going across the grade level.
Do you plan to make posters reminding students of proper etiquette or technology rules for these applications?
Meredith
Nicole,
ReplyDeleteI agree that the research portion of the plan may be time consuming but it is by far vital. I love how you said to start small. I think this is very important. We can often take on too much at a time and become overwhelmed. How is the communication with the 5th graders going to work? Are you using a wiki, e-mail, or something else?
Stephanie
Nicole,
ReplyDeleteI have found when incorporating new technology into my classroom, what works for me is my reflection journal. This allows me to reflect back on the lessons and write down what I could have done differently and what went well. Do you plan on keeping a journal for reflections as you work your way through this new process with the other 5th grade teacher? Has the other teacher done an activity like this before or is this new for both of you?
Lisa
Nicole,
ReplyDeleteI agree that starting small is the best way! This will allow you to focus on sections of your project or plan at a time. Collaborating with colleagues is one of the most valuable resources I have found so far! Do you have any technology integrators or computer teachers that are available to collaborate with as well? I also think it might be fun to collaborate with teachers in your district but within a different school. You have the same curriculum but I find that schools run very differently and have different ideas. This may widen your range of resources as well.