For this assignment, students used a variety of different apps as we worked through the process of inquiry. I created a Padlet to have students use their digital devices in an engaging way to quickly access their thoughts about what are the traits of a modern day hero. My grade eight students were very engaged in this process and quickly shared their ideas. To bring students to the Padlet I had also used a QR Code so they could quickly scan it and then go to the site, rather than have to deal with punching in a long URL address. In partners, students then used the iPads to create a PicCollage using both words and images to portray their ideas about who or what constitutes a modern day hero. At this point in the inquiry, students also had the option of not using technology to portray their ideas, and some chose this option – one group did both; sketching their images, snapping photos and them putting this all into their PicCollage.
In reflecting, I would have also included a more self-reflective written piece to attach to their PicCollage (will do this next time) and as an assessment piece. I also would have spent more time on guidelines when using applications, like Padlet, where students can anonymously post their ideas, as some students chose to write silly or even inappropriate comments (this was not the norm, however).
In other news….all students now have a Google Apps for Education Account. This means they have access to my online classroom where I will post assignments and due dates. To access it, students just go to Google, sign in with their new “sd62learns.org” username and password and then click on the ELA/SS 8-3 or 8-6 class they are a part of. I am going to try and use this now to post assignments, so I recommend that parents have the user names/passwords for their students so that parents can access this information too. The assignments that I post on our Google Classroom then get synced to students’ Google calendars, so it is easy to see when assignments and tests are occurring (once again, get the user name and passwords so you can view this information). Having Google Classroom means students can work easily and at the same time in two different locations with partners on projects, they can work on their assignments on any computer with Internet access (no more excuses that the project was left at school!), they don’t need to worry about computer tech problems or flash drives and they have a Google Drive to store all their information. It’s all very new to me as well, but we are learning everyday how to use it. Their first assignment is due Monday.
Also due next week:
- Gratitude 10 Project
- Modern Day Heroes (overdue)