It's been a seven year fight, but we finally have honors English classes at each grade level. After a brief victory dance, I had to face a frightening reality: I don't know how to teach an honors class. For seven years, I have had classes with freshmen through seniors whose reading levels ranged from third grade to college. Now I have one class (my biggest at 36), all students who scored advanced (or very close) on their ELA CST and got and A or a B in language arts in middle school. In August I was faced with creating a full curriculum using 1:1 iPads, and then figuring out how my honors curriculum would differ. All I knew is I didn't want honors to just be more work, I wanted it to be different work.
I found part of the solution at Cue Rock Star in August at Minarets High. Dr. Mark Wagner brought up the idea of using Google's 20% business model in class. I immediately knew I wanted to try it, especially since my students would have iPads.
The idea in action: I had my honors class start reading Of Mice and Men and after the first chapter we had a discussion about the setting, especially how time is just as important as place. We brainstormed what they knew about the Great Depression, taking notes in Smartnote (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/smartnote/id362165952?mt=8). Then I gave them a list of topics related to the Great Depression (i.e. the Stock Market crash, poverty, education, etc) and they had to find a partner and choose a topic. These days are fun because topics are first come, first served and we end up with bribes and rock-paper-scissors match-ups. I then give them one day/week to work on the project. The only direction they get is they have to create a presentation in iMovie or Keynote to present to the class. I want them to use creativity that's not restricted by assignment requirements.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
What I'm using so far. . .
There have been hurdles to overcome in the implementation of a 1:1 iPad program, but we have finally found our groove. All of my students can access their accounts and have basic knowledge of their iPad. I am so excited about all the possibilities, I feel like I'm throwing something new at them every day, but they are definitely rising to the occasion. Some in-class uses for the iPad so far:
Google Sites: I created a site (www.alisonlopez.com) with a page for each class. I had my students set my announcements page to their homescreen (this creates a quick link that looks like an app) and this is the first place they go when they come in the room. I add a new post daily (almost daily, at least) with the opening activity, in-class work, and homework.
Blogging: All my students have Blogger accounts and know how to create a post, embed images, and publish. We are also using the Blogsy app: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/blogsy/id428485324?mt=8 to compose posts. I love this app because it makes embedding videos and images really simple. You search, drag, and drop.
Collaborize Classroom: This site allows me to create a poll or forum question that students can all vote on and answer. They can also reply to each other's comments and see the poll results in a pie chart. One example: After my freshman honors class had read the first chapter in Of Mice and Men I asked them if they thought George and Lennie's dream would ever come true. They voted "yes" or "no", then explained why in a comment. If they clicked on results, the site created a pie chart of their answers for all to see. This simple poll created a very thoughtful discussion. I also really like this site as an opener because they can do it quickly and independently. You can find more information at www.collaborizeclassroom.com.
Keynote: My students picked up this app really quickly. It is really easy to navigate and edit. The only flaw is I wish there was a share feature so they could do group presentations like they can in Google.
Google Sites: I created a site (www.alisonlopez.com) with a page for each class. I had my students set my announcements page to their homescreen (this creates a quick link that looks like an app) and this is the first place they go when they come in the room. I add a new post daily (almost daily, at least) with the opening activity, in-class work, and homework.
Blogging: All my students have Blogger accounts and know how to create a post, embed images, and publish. We are also using the Blogsy app: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/blogsy/id428485324?mt=8 to compose posts. I love this app because it makes embedding videos and images really simple. You search, drag, and drop.
Collaborize Classroom: This site allows me to create a poll or forum question that students can all vote on and answer. They can also reply to each other's comments and see the poll results in a pie chart. One example: After my freshman honors class had read the first chapter in Of Mice and Men I asked them if they thought George and Lennie's dream would ever come true. They voted "yes" or "no", then explained why in a comment. If they clicked on results, the site created a pie chart of their answers for all to see. This simple poll created a very thoughtful discussion. I also really like this site as an opener because they can do it quickly and independently. You can find more information at www.collaborizeclassroom.com.
Keynote: My students picked up this app really quickly. It is really easy to navigate and edit. The only flaw is I wish there was a share feature so they could do group presentations like they can in Google.
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