Thoughts on Collaboration in a Web 2.0 World
After ruminating all day long I have come to the conclusion that the most meaningful interaction with students is on the one-to-one basis. What better, more efficient way to do it than a blog?
This week I will present resources for an AP U.S. History research project. Students will be doing individual topics and writing a 6-8 page research paper. They need a variety of primary and secondary sources. It is necessary that students show an ability to have meaningful engagement with ideas and synthesize a wide array of sources.
I will introduce NoodleTools as an option for taking notes in electronic format. These can be shared with the teacher/librarian. Noodle Tools does bibliographies in MLA or APA format. Since the bibliographies are to be completed in Chicago Style format, students have a choice of using the Citation Machine or the IMSA Bibliographic format tool.
They will receive instruction on the New Trier Library catalog, and these databases: Annals of American History, History Resource Center U.S., Expanded Academic Index, and scholarly articles in ProQuest. I will also show them a great site for primary sources --History Matters.
I will invite students to reflect on their research experiences in the New Trier Library blog.
Showing posts with label bloggingbestpractice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bloggingbestpractice. Show all posts
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Collaboration in a Web 2.0 World
Last year during the major Jr. Theme research project which centered on immigration and hyphenated Americans, we discovered the importance of communication with students to get them on track and keep them moving toward due dates. One of our English teachers, Adena Horwitz posted these questions to BlackBoard:
1. What sources have been used for gathering information? What methods of collection (Internet, text, interview, observation of neighborhood, etc.) were used? Why did you choose these methods?
2. What are the most important, surprising, and informative findings in the research?
3. In what ways does the research give rise to new questions, points-of-view, ideas, or suggestions?
4. In what ways does the research suggest your next steps, in terms of further information collection, analysis, or action?
The English teacher read the posts and logged me in as an instructional assistant to read student postings from two different classes. I could tell right away which students were on track and which students were dazed and confused.
I was able to direct students to appropriate resources and get right back to them. My advice both needed and appreciated.
Not all teachers use the discussion/comment features of BlackBoard. For those teachers I plan on suggesting a collaboration using student blogs. If I set up the student blogs, the teachers not so fluent with technology will also be able to reap the benefits of tracking student progress and contributing to the conversations.
Last year during the major Jr. Theme research project which centered on immigration and hyphenated Americans, we discovered the importance of communication with students to get them on track and keep them moving toward due dates. One of our English teachers, Adena Horwitz posted these questions to BlackBoard:
1. What sources have been used for gathering information? What methods of collection (Internet, text, interview, observation of neighborhood, etc.) were used? Why did you choose these methods?
2. What are the most important, surprising, and informative findings in the research?
3. In what ways does the research give rise to new questions, points-of-view, ideas, or suggestions?
4. In what ways does the research suggest your next steps, in terms of further information collection, analysis, or action?
The English teacher read the posts and logged me in as an instructional assistant to read student postings from two different classes. I could tell right away which students were on track and which students were dazed and confused.
I was able to direct students to appropriate resources and get right back to them. My advice both needed and appreciated.
Not all teachers use the discussion/comment features of BlackBoard. For those teachers I plan on suggesting a collaboration using student blogs. If I set up the student blogs, the teachers not so fluent with technology will also be able to reap the benefits of tracking student progress and contributing to the conversations.
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