For part A, I chose to create a Google Site, trying to be consistent with google and therefore keep the same username and password. To tell you the truth, I am finding it hard to keep track of all of them! I try to keep them consistent, but it is hard. I am not sure if I will ever use the google site. I considered setting up a classroom website last summer, but was reminded about edline on the horizon, so I waited. Three teachers on my team have google sites or another class website that they link to edline, but I do not see doing that.
I did explore Wix and looked at many of their featured websites... they are pretty amazing! Again, although they are pretty impressive, I do not feel the need to have a classroom website like that. There are too many other things to do and that would be one more thing to keep up with.
I must say that I just love colored pencils. They come in such pretty colors and when using them for a classroom project, I never have to worry if the network is down or if there is a computer lab available! (occasionally legitimate concerns) All I need is a sharpener... I also need to investigate edmodo further. Apparently it is the leading social learning network for education. It seems like many educators use it for posting assignments (but we have edline) or for projects. Maybe it can be used by students to look for extra help. I am not sure where it fits yet.
I think that, in the case of our district, a lot of what we are looking at might be better viewed as ways to get your students involved in learning. To make the process of creating a project more fun as it were.
ReplyDeleteLook at Weebly, Wix and other website, Wiki, blogging creation tools as possible alternatives to Word or PowerPoint as tools for students to create presentations and reports with. See this post http://webisabi.blogspot.com/2011/03/new-thing-11-from-field.html .
Might elevate their level of interest and commitment to the product.
But that's just me.
One other side note to that. I don't think you could tell them they had to use alternative creation methods since we can't provide text support for them but I think that given the option, they will choose them on their own.
ReplyDeleteAdditionally I have heard talk about students doing better on projects, spending more time and doing better work, when they know that they are public and not just sitting in a stack on your desk.
Thanks for the suggestions. I will explore those other sites. Maybe I can try something different with a genetics research project later this month.
ReplyDeleteProjects are presented to peers rather than just turned into me, but a new method would spark their interest. Most students enjoyed posting to the wiki when we used them for our big team project. It's worth a try!
The use of web based tools for presentation like Weebly are quickly forcing (thankfully) PowerPoint to the realm of the slide rule. What I love about wikis is that they can be viewed by other students, teachers, and parents. The collective feedback can be powerful in making adjustments and improvements to the final product. I also like that groups can work asynchronously to complete a project. High School students have such varied schedules, finding time to work together can be a challenge, this alleviates that problem.
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