Write a Great Authentic Task Project-based Learning engages students in projects that allow them to construct their own knowledge and develop authentic products while dealing with real-world issues. In order to challenge students on this level, it is helpful to frame their work with an authentic task. Authentic tasks require students to demonstrate proficiency by applying existing knowledge to solve a real-world problem. Authentic tasks create a bridge between what is learned in the classroom and why this knowledge is important to the world outside of the classroom. Authentic tasks are not meant to replace current classroom practice, but to provide another strategy to meet learning goals and measure student understanding. What does an authentic task look like? Immigration Station In the past four years, your city has had an influx of over 10,000 immigrants. Your task force will make a 15 minute presentation of what needs to be done. Authentic or Real-World Where might they work? Products A lawyer makes an argument.
Create Great Diagrams Using Cacoo & Google Drive What do you use when you need to draw a diagram? Do you do the whole thing from scratch? Do you create each and every box with a series of four lines, or do you use a program that creates the box for you? Would you go a step further and use a template? Would you appreciate ready-made images of desk furniture to design your office layout? If you’re anything like me, you’re always ready to make the job as easy as possible. If you’ve been contemplating drawing some sort of diagram and have no idea where to start, Cacoo is going to be an app you will love and will never forget. Cacoo’s Free Usage Cacoo is free up to a point. On the free account, you can do a trial export three times. Using Cacoo With Google Drive Cacoo is one of many great apps now available to use via Google Drive. Your Cacoo files will be stored on Google drive and backed up to all your devices using the Google Drive app. Cacoo Stencils For Diagrams Cacoo has a huge amount of stencils available for use immediately.
Curriculum Connection Students create a counting book to build foundation curriculum and technology skills at the beginning of the school year. Working with students in the computer lab can be a challenge, especially at the beginning of the school year. Some students are very good with a mouse, and other have no computer experience. The students learned to drag-and-drop and resize objects, as well as open activity pages. Using Pixie allows me to cover many skills with the kindergarten class; at the end of the project all of the students are proficient with using the mouse, resizing objects, opening new activities and even saving their work! Popular Topics Advertisement Getting Chromebooks? Stay creative with Wixie!
27 Presentation Tips For Students And Teachers We all have to get up in front of a group of our peers and deliver a presentation at some point. Whether it’s a TED talk or a book report in your elementary school classroom, there’s a pressure and sense of nervousness that strikes us all. And that’s just the mere thought of giving a presentation. Personally, I like the ‘visualize’ tip as it gets you a bit looser and thinking about something other than your own presentation. Source: Mia MacMeekin
More Than Just a Writing Prompt Using multimedia as a writing prompt can engage students and encourage critical thinking. A few years ago, I heard a presenter at a conference proclaim, “If your students are not participating in meaningful, structured writing time every day, you DON’T have a writing program!” What?!? The comment made a significant impression on me, and though the presenter’s comment was laced with hyperbole, I took the message to heart. We’ve all been there… the complacency zone… where we require students to have a spiral notebook, read a prompt off the board, and write in their journals. “…I tried meeting my students where they already were — in the land of MP3s and YouTube — and my classroom was forever changed.” I decided that I was done with “old-school” journaling that wasn’t making anyone happy or meeting anyone’s needs. I started by using a song from a popular contemporary band. My next experiment was with a photograph. When I did my first round of grading, I noticed two things. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
How to Escape from Bad Decisions It’s the Process, Not the Product Steps to implement successful student technology projects The learning that takes place during the process of completing a technology project is just as, if not more, important than the presentation of the final product. As educators, we know that “it’s the process, not the product,” but showing and sharing their final product with the audience is often what engages students the most. Completing successful projects with students follows several basic steps, many of which you probably already use. Step 1: Create Foundations Technology project work does not replace classroom content; rather, it extends your curriculum by helping you assess student understanding as they apply knowledge in new situations. While technology may be a useful tool for helping students learn some of the concepts, do not feel like you need to use technology during the entire project. Step 2: Set Expectations Step 3: Form Teams Remember trying collaborative group work in your classroom? Planning – Steps 4, 5, and 6
Free Online Courses: Top 50 Sites to Get Educated for Free - InformED Opportunities Abound Capitalize on the talents of special needs students The team of four fifth-grade teachers sat around the table at Applewood Intermediate School planning an upcoming science project. How could their students help the community become better recyclers? “This should be fun,” said Rosa Rodriguez, the project chair. “Something for everyone,” Bob Baxter said. “What do you mean?” “We aren’t leaving anyone out, but I’m not sure how well we’re including our special needs kids,” he replied. “Yes,” Mary Darnella chimed in. “That’s cool,” Chi Wong said. The team looked at her, perplexed. Rosa spoke up. “And we have to abide by their plans - accommodate for some with computers, large print books, and other gizmos and gadgets,” Bob lamented. “And modify programs for others,” Mary added. “Hey, is this glass half full or half empty?” The team again looked at her in silence. “Take Hugo, for instance,” Chi continued. “He’s an incredible artist!” “What about Sally?” “Really well,” Rosa responded. Special Needs