Monday, September 26, 2011

Developing my Philosophy of Honors Classes

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.

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.