Web 1.0 vs 2.0

This summer I created a website where students are able connect with another class somewhere in the world and participate in a language arts and science activity.  This project was designed for students to communicate with one another using email.  They were asked to write a descriptive piece describing their new insect species.  Using the write up the partner would have to draw a picture of what they thought the insect looked like using the descriptive writing piece.  Once both partners completed each others they would get to see what the original image looked like.  Both the original image and the image created using the clues would be posted on the website to see how close the two images were to each other.  The idea being, the more descriptive the details you gave, the better chance your partner’s insect would come out looking like the original.  This lesson was designed to use Web 1.0 tools. It required teachers to create an email address for each of their students so they could communicate back and forth with their partner and it also required that teachers submit the final projects of all their students to the website creator so that they could then be displayed on the website.  It was a timely project both for the participating teachers and the website creator.

If I could change this project to incorporate web 2.0 technology I think I would create a wiki instead of a website.  This way it would eliminate the teacher having to create an email account for each individual student.  Creating email address would be both time consuming and hard to monitor all 25 plus students use.  By creating a Wiki each pair of students could be assigned a wiki page where they are able to write their detailed description of their insect and then post their work.  Teachers can easily monitor progress.  This would also take a HUGE chunk of work away from the website creator.  They will not have to ask that a teacher submit the final projects for their class and also eliminates having to upload every participating students final work for the world to see.  Using a wiki puts the responsibility on the participating classroom teacher and students. 

Digital Editing

I enjoyed learning about digital video editing. I think it has a lot of educational value for older students. I think for me to use digital editing with my second graders would be a little too much for them. The programs can be tricky when it comes to importing multiple video segments, adding transitions, voice overs, music, sound effects, and much more. I could not see my students being able to use this program easily. Even if I took the time to teach each function of the program, I just feel it is too much. I think video editing is perfect for middle school and high school students. They are old enough to be able to understand the different terminology and functions. If I taught older kids I would use this tool for projects that deal with persuasion and delivering information to the public. It is a fun way for students go share information other than writing it down in a report. 

Let's Talk About Snow...

This year there has been an overwhelming amount of snow days.  It has taken a toll on me as a teacher with having to replan lessons and units, modify my pacing guides, and deal with student behavior due to lack of routine.   It has been 2 years since we have had to deal with missing school due to inclement weather.  I forgot how disruptive it could be to routines and planning. I used to wish for snow days so that I could sleep in and have a relaxing day at home.  After having more than 10 snow days this year, I no longer find them relaxing but stressful.  I am looking forward to an uninterrupted week.  Since 2013 we have only had 1 full week of school.  All the other weeks have either had cancellations or delays.  It is difficult to have students complete activities and projects with so many disruptions.  When we get back to school I am finding I have to review and reteach concepts because of being off for so long.  Having to reteach puts you even further behind in pacing.  My team met on Friday to decide how we could tweak our pacing guides to ensure we got in all the required standards.