Dorothy (Kinder at Rose Hill) and I (First Grade at Alsup) hosted our initial collaborative lesson.
Lesson Overview/Objective (Original) - Students will collaboratively create a pictograph with another class as an introduction to Data and Graphs. Small groups (11) from each class would complete a pictograph representing the number of letters in their names. Using Dabbleboard, students would write their name, then the other class would move the name to the correct vertical position on the pictograph. This continued alternately for 10 students to put their information on the collaborative whiteboard.
Positives
*ALL students were excited about being on camera.
*Students were initially engaged as they saw each other through the web camera.
*Students from both classes received an introduction to graphing.
*Students collaborated within their own classroom as well as through the web.
Challenges
*Everyone wanted to have their 15 seconds of fame!
*Explaining to 5, 6, and 7 year olds about the internet delay.
Ideas for Improvement
*Use smaller groups (maybe eight from each class).
*Give students more opportunity to be on camera.
*Others???
We're excited to try our next project and we're thinking about using Dabbleboard or Twiddla. Using the online whiteboards are a challenge for both of us, but we think they offer a great resource to capitalize on the abilities of our students.
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2 comments:
***Next time we can have their names pre-written...Might help the lag time.
Kelly and Dorothy,
I am really impressed with your effort and willingness to accept the challenge to have 5-7 year olds collaborating virtually. As my son nears kindergarten I have been visiting schools to find a place where he might thrive. I usually ask about the use of technology to teach core subjects and to engage students. During a visit this week I was told that technology in the classroom really isn't appropriate for young grade school students. While you note there are challenges to working with young students and these tools, you are both proving that these tools are appropriate and can truly help students thrive.
We all agree that technology in the classroom cannot replace authentic learning opportunities created by good teachers. I think you are both proving that these tools can assist in learning if used to compliment the learning.
Great job!
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