I am very excited about tomorrows lesson. I'm going to use the discussion board on our new version of Blackboard (a web platform like we use for Walden). This will be new to my students. Today, the class I was supposed to have was in trouble with their classroom teacher, but I don't like losing days considering that I only get to have them for my own computer lessons 36 times a year, so I agreed, but said that they'd have to at least get their writing done for the discussion. While there were many 4th grade tears at first, as I read the topic, the wheels started turning and the pencils started moving. As they overheard what a classmate was telling me or their teacher they wrote, others started adding it to their paper. I stopped it there and made the connection that this is the purpose of what I'll have them do next week; they are going to read what each other wrote and comment on it. They may even say that they like the idea and want to add that to their response. I also got the teacher excite about this piece of technology. She's now interested in using discussions for her language arts workshops. I told her that we can work together on that if she likes; collaboration has been a goal of mine.
My fifth graders wanted to get started last week when I told them what they were going to write about, but there wasn't enough time. I can't wait to see what they write about. I'm a little concerned, however, about one girl. She is very low in her reading and writing skills, and was supposed to be held over, but her mother overrode the decision. I want to accommodate her without putting her on the spot or make it look like I'm babying her; something she hates. I still haven't figured out how I'm going to go about this. I will assist her as much as possible so she has a reasonable amount of information. I will post a follow-up in the next couple of days.
You might want to proof read the young girls work before she posts. By asking to proofread the whole class, you will avoid her feeling singled out. Suggestions can be made before posting all the class work. You could also partner up students to work together in the beginning to help with the transition of integrating a new technology.
ReplyDeleteThanks! That's what I did. Check out my next blog entry. All of my students have partners; unfortunately, I made a bad call in who I partnered her up with because she didn't help her, but rather purposely upset her. I sat with her for a bit to give her some direction, then let her type away, then I came back around to proofread her and several other students' work. You're right though, it's always a good idea to spread your attention even if others don't need it just so that one person doesn't feel singled out.
ReplyDeleteHey Matt,
ReplyDeleteThanks for fixing your settings. You must be so excited about finally collaborating with the grade level teachers. What a great thing that you have been able to take your grad school knowledge and share it will your colleagues!
I am excited to know what comes of your student to student commenting. Was it successful? Did you have to spend time teaching the students what constructive comments are? How long did you model the correct behavior?
I have an idea to help you differentiate for your low learner. You could have her come up with her ideas to post, write them down, then you can help her with the editing process. This way she has ownership of her own ideas, but help with the execution; just a thought. Can't wait to hear how it goes.
Chelsea Blasius Lewis