State of the Project (so far)
I have been spending a good part of this summer’s theoretical vacation from teaching trying to organize myself for next year.
Some of this work has been the typical curriculum planning that I have been fortunate enough to do with some of my colleagues. I have been able to work with a fellow science teacher (I teach 7th and 8th grade science in a Northern Westchester County district middle school) to create some interesting cooperative learning activities for our 7th graders. And I have spent some time working with a special education teacher with whom I will be co-teaching a section of 8th grade science.
All of this work has been productive and I feel good about it.
I have also been spending time learning about, thinking about, and planning for making good use of various internet technologies in my classroom. I have read Will Richardson’s book and blog; I have been reading blogs like The Thinking Stick and G-town talks and I have set up this blog to get a sense of how it all can work.
I would like to report myself moving ahead fearlessly. I am totally behind the ideas presented in the various edublogs. I am inspired by what I see educators doing with blogs and wikis and podcasts. I am just having some difficulty seeing where to start.
I used a fair amount of internet projects with my students this past one. I set up a website celebrating the last project with my 7th graders, where some students set up websites, recorded and posted a podcast, did some animations and PowerPoint presentations.
So, I guess I am having some difficulty figuring out where to start. Here are the two most developed ideas so far. First, to set up a classroom blog where students can respond to various articles. The second is to set up a class wiki so they students and I can collaborate on a class text.
More as it happens.
Blogged with Flock
July 24, 2006 @ 4:31 pm
You say you’re having difficulty figuring out where to start yet you’re already there. You are starting exactly where I hope my teachers would start, with your own use of blogging and a great use of the summer, reflection and planning. Having the willingness to actually change something is half the battle. Either of your ideas for your classroom start are good ones. Will you begin with a class discussion about my space? Will you distinguish between that kind of writing and what you might light to see? I would take a project you’re already comfortable with, a small one, and try the discussion on the blog or wiki–either everyone adding to something or personal response as you mentioned. I hope you’ll think about allowing students to pursue their own interests in Science–keying into their own curiosity about the world. You’ll give away some control, but imagine what they’ll learn.
I’m encouraged by your honest reflections on teaching–I think that’s the key to success. I’d hire a teacher who continually reflects on his or her practice AND plans for improved instruction any day! Looking forward to hearing about your progress and remember, you’ve already started.
July 26, 2006 @ 1:28 am
State Of The Project…
Great to see student projects on the Internet and using animation…….