Given the availability of resources that allow face to face communications through mediums like Skype and Google+, it is great to have some exposure to meaningful ways these can be used in the classroom. In many cases, I am struck by how much of a 'no-brainer' many of these methods actually are. By this, I mean to say that it seems obvious that educators would be bringing 'experts' into the classroom or allowing students to communicate their ideas with students in other parts of the world. These are wonderful opportunities which many of us have the tools to provide, but perhaps have been overlooking such opportunities in the past. Coming up with possible scenarios is not difficult, however, I hope to also be able to utilize these options in constructive ways.
1) It has occurred to me that students in my AP Econ classes might be interested in getting in contact with the author of their text. Throughout the course, I have found students have questions regarding the normative or opinionated statements of the author. It would be simplest and most common to have students research their own questions, but I would like to make an effort to put the students into some kind of contact with the author. It would not be difficult to allow the students to follow his public blog through the Wall Street Journal, but I would like to take that a step further and make a more formal connection. This is a project that I would like to reflect on further.
2) Another concept project involving telecommunications that I believe would be beneficial in a number of ways is a film/documentary created by students to highlight how they use money (Econ again). They could then upload their videos to youtube or create dvd's. The idea would be to then share them with students from another society where different currencies are in use and perhaps other methods of exchange. This could be beneficial in a number of ways, but particularly in helping students recognize the use of currency.
3) A final way to participate in a telecommunication project that I would like to implement would be a tutorial session held entirely online through Google+. I am going to poll my students and see which of them might be interested in utilizing this technology at home for purposes of studying/homework. I would like to gain a little more experience in using this technology, but overall I think it could be a good experience for the students in the form of the exposure to the technology itself and provide a little motivation to study.
So...totally diggin your ideas Erin! I love NUMBER 2. In my life, I have dealt with two small film companies who have done a documentary of sorts on Child Traffic Situations in Atlanta (we are the biggest city for this!) and poverty in India. Not only were they able to bring information to the table that none of us knew...they were able to get the situation out in the open! I think it would teach the students ALOT about other countries and you never know...maybe them learning about how they use money because of how little they may have, might spur them on to bigger and amazing things! IF you do this...let me know how it goes...even if we aren't in class anymore! OK...thanks!
ReplyDeleteThese are some pretty cool concepts. I think with your students and now your experience with the e-Learning tools you could do some pretty cool things for your students. I also think your ideas may spread within your school. I am sure a lot of what you are doing is totally new to them. I see you leading some staff development in the future!!
ReplyDeleteI think it would be very meaningful for students to be able to communicate with an author. For them to ask the author questions to find out what they want to know, I think it could be very inspirational and inspire some students to be authors themselves.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of the students creating a video to show how they use money. It is interesting to know how someone else in another country uses money. It helps us see other lifestyles and the Norms in other countries. Great ideas!
Aaron, I am glas to see your effort to incorporate telecommunication-based projects into your classroom. I especially liked the idea of the second example. I wonder such website might have already existed. Have you searched for it yet? If so, as you said, it would be very beneficial for student who study Econ!
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