Hello
all-
After
having worked with middle school students, specifically, seventh graders who
typically range in age between 12-14 years for the last eighteen years, I have
come to the conclusion that my little beauties require quite a bit of prompting
and reminding in order to get things learned and to have assignments submitted
in a timely fashion. Since my students enter my classroom with a generalized
attitude that there are no “time limits” for turning in work, it is essential
to a) engage them in topics that are of interest to them, and b) allow them the
opportunities to seek answers in the various modalities available through Web
2.0. One of the main difficulties in
allowing this discovery and development of their young minds has been the
continual disallowing of outside media (i.e., their I-pods, I-pads, PSPs,
Droids, etc.) in the classroom. Ysleta I.S.D. specifically has an electronics
policy that precludes their use in the schools. To get around this issue, a
classroom blog will be created so that students will be able to access
information and be able to actively participate in virtual classroom
discussions in a more “meaningful” way than they might have ordinarily done in a real-world classroom under the scrutiny of their peers.
My
Advanced Science students are required, per our Campus Improvement Plan (CIP),
to propose and create a science project that is of their own choosing. I plan
to use my blog to give students updates on project requirements and due dates;
to give access to audio and visual podcasts to further their understanding
about what constitutes a good project and how to determine appropriate
scientific variables in a given project; to provide students with opportunities to use a digital camera to document their project and then to upload that information to the class blog; use hyperlinks to allow students access to my teacher website so that
whenever they are absent they can retrieve assignments that must be completed;
and probably most important of all, to allow them access to reach me even when
we are not in the classroom, via email and texting so that they can get an
immediate response to their various needs.
I plan to allow them to do an electronic project (if they choose to do
so of their own volition), to let them incorporate their many talents in their
own plan of exploration. I have, in the past, had a pair of students who
created and wrote their own video game, and it actually worked! They were able
to display their game and play it in class! Allowing
students to expand their own learning horizons is key to them becoming critical
thinkers in the real world, and allows students the freedom to say, "Hi Miss! I just love being in your class!"
If you would like to see my new class blog (under construction, so to speak) then check out: dramsey2@blogspot.net
If you would like to see my new class blog (under construction, so to speak) then check out: dramsey2@blogspot.net
The more you can allow your students to use technology, you will most likely see creativity and engagement increase. They could create a blog on the science project such as almost creating a "diary" of day to day experiments they are doing for their project or research.
ReplyDeleteHaving students choose to complete their electronic project is a great idea to give them a choice in the classroom. The age group of students you have often seem to be in that transition period of them wanting options. Perhaps in doing this it will reach them using a vehicle they enjoy "technology" and they can take ownership. Another idea you have with involving science is a great one because sometimes we focus on math/reading/writing too much and leave science/social studies behind.
ReplyDeleteI think the most important aspect or benefit of using something like blogging in the classroom is the ability to communicate much more efficiently. Your plan seems to incorporate lots of opportunities for feedback, which the students will likely take advantage of.
ReplyDeleteIt is such a contradiction that our districts want us to incorporate technology, yet they put up barriers at every turn when we want to have our kids use it! Our kids probably have better tools than we have, yet, as you posted, they must leave those things at home! I certainly understand that we can't have our students going "willy nilly" with their electronic gadgets, but it would sure be nice if some of those devices could be utilized to further their learning in technology.
ReplyDeleteYou have many great ideas of using blogs in your classroom. I look forward to seeing your class blog.
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas on blogs for your class. I think that it's a great idea for your advanced Science students to also use the blog as a way to display their individual projects.
ReplyDeleteLove the ideas, and they created a video game!! How cool is that!! I like how you want to give the students the freedom to express there knowledge in there own way. By brining technology into the classroom you are opening a million doors to a million possiblities. Great post.
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas on using blogs on your classroom, your students are get excited and you will see their input. Blogs are going to bring a lot of collaboration in your classroom. great Post!!!
ReplyDeleteVery nice idea for Advanced Science students...
ReplyDeleteI love what you plan to do with your blog. I think it's insightful and can really help those that have questions or comments on their science project. Or at times there are things that we forget to say and a blog allows us to update comments frequently so if you forget to say something all you have to do is click away. And kuddos on starting up your own classroom blog!
ReplyDeletehi ms ramsey its jorge mireles and my topic is what type of plastic wrap prevents evaparation the best ?? see you in 5th period.
ReplyDelete