2. Students were divided into groups and had to come up with 20 questions for their own interview using Skype
(Google Docs was used here).
3. Students interviewed a candidate via Skype and recorded using Pamela.
4. Finally, students used Audacity to record a script.
5. Last, the edited podcast was posted to Podbean. (backup for Podbean)
Reflection:
I have always enjoyed watching the students responded to the "correct" way to give a hand shake. Many students believe it is good to give a hip handshake when interviewing.
Skype was introduced to me about two years ago (2008-2009). It was then that I decided to use Skype in my Discovery 8 class. I use Skype (to show a great Web 2.0 Tool) for interviews. The students create 20 questions and conduct the interview via Skype. It has been interesting to see the students reactions, when seeing someone via the internet. The student quickly learn, they can also use Skype to chat with a loved one not living close by.
Podbean is used to post each and every podcast created as the final project. The students are amazed to hear their voices on the internet.
What went well/what I learned
What I changed/outcomes
I used Google.docs for the first time on this project. It worked well, because the students could work on their twenty questions at the same time. It also allowed the students time at home to complete the script.
The first time I did this project, I learned that groups of 5 did not work. When students are in groups of 5, they tend to focus on each other and not the task in hand. Second marking period, I reduced group members from to 5 to 4. This reduction in group members, kept each student on task.
First thought that pops into my mind is: Becoming a facilitator and not a teacher was difficult to overcome. I had to give the reigns to the students. In the beginning, I felt I was not teaching and therefore useless. Afterwards, my thoughts changed completely. Seeing the students rise to occasion was fantastic. The students became the teachers and I became the learner. Does that sound corny?
This has become my highlight of each marking period, or now semester. I look forward to watching students come up with good interview questions, struggling with Audacity and finally hearing their final scripts in Podbean. The look of accomplishment on their faces makes my year….The Assistant Superintendent came to observe me once, during the final recording of the Podcast. He left me a note saying that “I used good Web 2.0 tools” He seemed to be impressed. That note made my day. I laminated it and stuck it under my see through thing on my desk as a reminder.
The outcome was both frustrating and rewarding. It is very frustrating to put time and effort creating an Audacity “cheat sheet’” and watching the student’s not even attempt Audacity. I gave them many opportunities. So when it came to the final project, the students that did not “play around” with Audacity had the most problems. That was very frustrating to me.
The outcome the second time around was much better. I had a mini-assignment with Audacity and actually went around to each student’s computer and listened to the recording. When it came time for the final project, the students were equipped with the knowledge to complete the assignment.
The first time I did this project, things did not flow as well as I hoped. I had to change the mini-Audacity projects and give students 2 days to understand the ins and outs. The second time produced better final Podcasts then did the first time. Students were able to understand the importance of interview questions. They were able to experiment with Audacity and complete the project.
After the first time doing this project, I had students complete a survey on the project. The students suggested that the groups should be smaller and more time allowed experimenting with Audacity. The second time, I did just that.
Operation Montserrat is a simulation program which demands student collaboration. It requires all students involvement to save the inhabitants of Montserrat. Teacher help pages. Our class began this endeavor with a letter sent home to parents.
Video showing
Teacher e-Mission
Students getting prepared for mission and Day of e-Mission
Short video from day of e-Mission
Reflection:
I really enjoyed this entire collaborative project. The students, before the mission, were hands-on but did not really understand the scope of the mission. The day we went live, the LGI was in complete work mode. It was like seeing Mission Impossible but it was the 8th grade students trying to save the inhabitants of the island. What a fantastic project to bring a classroom together.
During the mission, we had many frustrations: failure of computer equipment held up the Hurricane Team from getting important information from Mission Control. Because of the delay of information, it created anxiety with the entire team. Each component of the Mission relied on the other components, groups, to proceed.
When the mission was completed, and the team saved the people of Montserrat, there was a loud roar and applause. The students seemed to enjoy the actual Mission more then the days working up to the Mission.
How to Interview
1. Students were given a PowerPoint on the Do's and Don'ts of an interview
2. Students were divided into groups and had to come up with 20 questions for their own interview using Skype
(Google Docs was used here).
3. Students interviewed a candidate via Skype and recorded using Pamela.
4. Finally, students used Audacity to record a script.
5. Last, the edited podcast was posted to Podbean. (backup for Podbean)
Reflection:
I have always enjoyed watching the students responded to the "correct" way to give a hand shake. Many students believe it is good to give a hip handshake when interviewing.
Skype was introduced to me about two years ago (2008-2009). It was then that I decided to use Skype in my Discovery 8 class. I use Skype (to show a great Web 2.0 Tool) for interviews. The students create 20 questions and conduct the interview via Skype. It has been interesting to see the students reactions, when seeing someone via the internet. The student quickly learn, they can also use Skype to chat with a loved one not living close by.
Podbean is used to post each and every podcast created as the final project. The students are amazed to hear their voices on the internet.
This has become my highlight of each marking period, or now semester. I look forward to watching students come up with good interview questions, struggling with Audacity and finally hearing their final scripts in Podbean. The look of accomplishment on their faces makes my year….The Assistant Superintendent came to observe me once, during the final recording of the Podcast. He left me a note saying that “I used good Web 2.0 tools” He seemed to be impressed. That note made my day. I laminated it and stuck it under my see through thing on my desk as a reminder.
The outcome the second time around was much better. I had a mini-assignment with Audacity and actually went around to each student’s computer and listened to the recording. When it came time for the final project, the students were equipped with the knowledge to complete the assignment.
The first time I did this project, things did not flow as well as I hoped. I had to change the mini-Audacity projects and give students 2 days to understand the ins and outs. The second time produced better final Podcasts then did the first time. Students were able to understand the importance of interview questions. They were able to experiment with Audacity and complete the project.
After the first time doing this project, I had students complete a survey on the project. The students suggested that the groups should be smaller and more time allowed experimenting with Audacity. The second time, I did just that.
Operation Montserrat by: Challenger Learning Center
Operation Montserrat is a simulation program which demands student collaboration. It requires all students involvement to save the inhabitants of Montserrat. Teacher help pages. Our class began this endeavor with a letter sent home to parents.Teacher e-Mission
Students getting prepared for mission and Day of e-Mission
Reflection:
I really enjoyed this entire collaborative project. The students, before the mission, were hands-on but did not really understand the scope of the mission. The day we went live, the LGI was in complete work mode. It was like seeing Mission Impossible but it was the 8th grade students trying to save the inhabitants of the island. What a fantastic project to bring a classroom together.
During the mission, we had many frustrations: failure of computer equipment held up the Hurricane Team from getting important information from Mission Control. Because of the delay of information, it created anxiety with the entire team. Each component of the Mission relied on the other components, groups, to proceed.
When the mission was completed, and the team saved the people of Montserrat, there was a loud roar and applause. The students seemed to enjoy the actual Mission more then the days working up to the Mission.
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