Next Project: Important

This is a long post, but it's important (I'll upload to Google Docs also):

Projects #4 & #5

At our first meeting I promised to front-load the work for this class because I know many of you are toiling in K-12 teaching trenches and I’m aware of the craziness of the last few weeks of school. To that end I’m combining the last two projects into one. There are a number of topics we have not explored this term, web safety issues for example. However, we have uncovered a curriculum that I had not anticipated back in January when I first started assembling tools and topics for 675. Together, in addition to all the Google tools, we’ve found Symbaloo, Prezi, Voki, Xtranormal, and a bevy of other useful and fun tools and resources. So here’s the deal:

Project #4 was to engage you in a team project, working with two other classmates to create a product that would benefit kids (paraphrased and in a nutshell). Project #5 was to create a product that summarized what you learned in EDUC 675 without resorting to a written paper… use as many web 2.0 tools to tell a story about what you learned and what you plan to do with your new found powers.

The final project is a mash-up. Work with other classmates to discuss the future of education in light of new and emerging technologies (web 2.0 tools for example). After this discussion goes on for a week or two each persons shares with others what he/she plans for an ‘EDUC 675 Masterpiece”. Wikipedia defines masterpiece in this way: “Originally, the term masterpiece referred to a piece of work produced by an apprentice or journeyman aspiring to become a master craftsman in the old European guild system”. That’s what I’m talking about.

This is what I have in mind: I encourage you to work closely with classmates with whom you might like to consult… I’ll give you each other’s email addresses, you have access to all the blogs via the list at the end of my blog. You all may work together with one discussion or you may break into smaller groups for a discussion in Google Docs. I’ll monitor the discussion and join in when I feel like it. We’ll see who wants to be a leader to start up a discussion and who wants to be a worker bee. No extra credit, not bonus points or brownie points just an honest discussion about what was learned, what was missing, what might come next in your technology journey. Kick it around and then in a couple of weeks (see dates below) each person nails down a project that demonstrates what she/he has learned and what comes next in the journey to lead kids into 21st century success.

Amorphous assignment? You bet! But, I have confidence in your ability and drive to do a creative and bang-up job that will blow my socks off. In the process of setting your own bar I believe you’ll encourage and support your colleagues to achieve greater heights. It would not surprise me if individuals sent drafts of projects to each other for critique, for example.




OK, here are the steps:

1. I’ll open a Google Doc where you all can discuss. Remember use the INSERT pull-down and select COMMENT to add to the discussion. I would imagine you’ll have private conversations via email/phone/text. After a while I expect some of you to start your own Google Doc discussion with a subgroup, perhaps based on content or grade level interests (or some other classification based on personality type or some personal or professional characteristic I have not thought of). Just as in the classroom be aware of not leaving anyone out (that means that each person must participate in discussions and speak up if feeling left out).

2. In the discussion tell your story… what did you learn, what was missing, what next steps are in store, where you’d like to be, technologically speaking, a year from now. Mention but don’t dwell on, obstacles to current/future success. Who is the teacher you’d like to be. Ask for ideas and advice from classmates.

3. Break off from the pack and do a web 2.0 masterpiece that encapsulates your story. Send me a link and share it with your classmates.

Dates to remember:

Now through May 25: Join the conversation about what it means to create a masterpiece. Start with my Google Docs document, add comments, form your own conversation groups. Don’t forget to share with me.

May 25. Send me an update on your masterpiece plan. What are you thinking about doing, what tools are you planning to use? I’ll post a Google Form for this.

June 6. Submit your masterpiece.

In the meantime:

• Continue to blog (perhaps a running commentary on your quest for a masterpiece?)
• Continue to read and comment on my blog. You may find some help here or a blog topic.
• Email me if you have a particularly sticky problem.