All learning cannot exist without there being topics and CONTENT. And that content cannot be transferred if COMMUNICATION does not occur.
During the learning process, it is also helpful to work COLLABORATIVELY. However, it is impossible to have collaboration without some type of COMMUNICATION.
Finally, to connect the cycle, the CONTENT that needs to be COMMUNICATED, can be COMMUNICATED through multiple avenues that include COLLABORATION with others.
With the versatility of technology and the integration of the internet, the number tools to use to teach have grown and will continue to grow. A resource that can utilze all of the three facets, CONTENT, COMMUNICATION, and COLLABORATION, is a FREE resource called WIKISPACES.
WIKISPACES allows for students to collect and build content, communicate, and collaborate in multiple fashions. Students can participate in "Discussions," create "Webpages," "Email" each other to communicate, and build other collections of work together.
I personally have been trying to integrate this tool into my personal classroom. I have been making small strides with this integration. Although there have been speed bumps, more of my students are engaged and are enjoying the work. This is the best benefit because many of my students are in my course because of their dislike or difficulty with science. Finding a way to teach them, and have them enjoy what and how they are learning, is worth the effort it takes to create quality online assignments.
(I might use these graphic organizers in the future, and with the use of Google Docs, I can update them now and for the future. Please offer any comments.)
Response to Wasserman:
ReplyDeleteRichard,
This is impressive work. I trust you have an Apple or Mac product. Did the Google Doc perform this for you? Your breakdown is exquisite. This is truly a work of art. It speaks to the assignment as well as your understanding of the readings of the week. Truly excellent work.
Regards,
Bradley
Actually I have an HP. I did this on Google Docs and used the "Embed" feature.
ReplyDeletethanks for the comments
Richard,
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Bradley, you really did a great job breaking down the assignment. What grade level do you teach? In your experience trying to integrate social networking in technology in the classroom, what would you say is the most challenging aspect?
Andree...
ReplyDeleteThanks
I teach Junior and Senior Science.
The most challenging aspect has been access to technology. Although, most students have computers at home, I still need to teach them the software in school. We only have two computer labs for the 10th, 11th, and 12th, with a total population of about 2500 students. Getting enough time in the computer lab to teach all the students enough to participate has been difficult.
Although, some of the students catch on quick, some of them have trouble, and others refuse to learn. By teaching the basics and offering guidance at the beginning will help set the tone and alleviate any apprehension the students might have.
Trying this out with my students this summer in summer school demonstrated that the large efforts at the beginning are paying off now in the end, only a couple weeks later. The students are participating at level beyond expectation.
If I had to make any recommendations, I would emphasize having a plan drawn out for long term, but break down the basics before even starting the project. Don't assume that the students will know how to use Wikispaces, and don't assume that they will learn it on their own.
Hi Richard,
ReplyDeleteI agree with what the other poster have written on the quality of the visuals. Great Job ! I think that it is wonderful that you are using Wikispaces to engage your science learners. My question to you is how have your students responded to the Wikis? Do they find them useful or just another task to complete?
LaTonya...
ReplyDeleteThanks.
From my observations...I think they are enjoying it. One of my students is an ELL and he told me he likes using this resource because he can participate and not have to worry about enunciating in class.
As many of our readings and our experiences with discussions ourselves, setting the tone in the discussion by the instructor helps.
One of my students spoke out..."this is just like facebook." I think that is the idea and we can really take advantage of the tools these new students seem to be able to use with little instruction.
Richard,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the information. I always thought that most students were failure with computers in general. I know some 76 year olds that know how to navigate through the internet, so I just assumed that by the time there were in high school, they would have the software part mastered. But I guess that what I get for assuming!!!