To carry out Part D of the GAME plan (Cennamo, Ross & Ertmer, 2009) I posted last week, I will first need access to video conferencing software. I can reach Skype at my home and use my own laptop computer, which has a webcam, but our school district blocks access to Skype in the schools. I will therefore need to consult with our technology department to try to find a way to work this out. Since I would like to include my whole classroom in video conferences, I would probably need to use a separate video camera, not a webcam, so I would need to learn how to connect the hardware.
To accomplish this goal, I will also need to network with other teachers or search online to find distant classes that could collaborate with my students. I already have one possibility for connecting with students in a state quite far from mine, but I will need to locate others if this possibility does not work out. Just as important, I need to choose a unit that gives my students an authentic reason to collaborate with other students in a distant location; I am considering a non-fiction reading unit.
Part B of my GAME plan will mainly require me to consult with my colleagues, both at my own school and online at
Effectively organizing ideas may be the most challenging aspect of this part of my GAME plan. I will want a system that lets me quickly review various activities, yet also separates them by topic and type of technology use included. In addition, I will also want to consult with our technology department and get permission from my students’ parents before they create web pages that anyone can view.
References
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-Based Approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.).
Posts
Just this year I inquired about using Skype at school to include a whole class. What I, unfortunately, discovered is that it takes more than just a video camera. The software needed for this situation was rather expensive, as far as paying for it personally. I would definitely look into available grants that would cover the cost. The Horizen Grant is just one example. What grade do you teach and what topic are you thinking about covering in your Reading selection? I am always looking for ways to create "flat" classroom experiences.
ReplyDeleteKatie
Thanks for the information. I didn't realize it would be quite so pricey. I will definitely check out the grant.
ReplyDeleteMy students are seventh graders. I really hadn't decided on a specific topic; this was something I had just started putting together. The most likely readings would be from our mythology unit; it might be interesting to share myths and legends from another place.
If I remember correctly, you teach high school social sciences; is that correct? If you are interested in collaborating with a classroom in Wisconsin, I'd be happy to put you in touch with our high school social sciences department.
Becky
Becky, I think Skype is an excellent option for you. It is something I am beginning to research as well. What if instead of doing it as a whole class you had each student do it individually paired up with a student in another class? Then you could use the webcam and it might be less pricey.
ReplyDeleteAs far as finding a class- are there any listservs online for English teachers? I use the foreign language one quite often when I am looking to partner with another teacher in the same subject as mine.
Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteThere is a blog site that you can access that may provide you with some alternate information that you can use to carry out your plan. Bob Sprankle's blog is replete with ideas about how to use these technologies. If you are interested, you can talk to him via Skype and he will provide you with some relevant details that you can factor in to your plan. His Skype name is bob sprankle.
As it relates to your desire to make contact with another class/school online, the flat classroom project website may be an option that you can try out.
All the best with your efforts,
HS English/Literature
Jewel and Tracey,
ReplyDeleteThanks for some great tips. I've got a much clearer idea of where I may want to go.
Becky