Interested? One reading group in my class in Randolph, NY collaborated with a reading group in Andrew Kauffman's class in Goshen, IN. We used various modes of communication and collaboration to read Magic Tree House: Afternoon on the Amazon by Mary Pope Osborne.innovative? We'd been using Skype to communicate and collaborate with our classes for a while. Since it had been such an effective means, we chose to utilize it for a Skype-based Literature Circle. Our initial plan was to make two video Skype calls where the students could discuss the roles that they prepared ahead of time and complete a VoiceThread for the final project.
Our first meeting was a success. Student pairs had prepared one of three roles -
Super Summarizer, Artful Artist, or Discussion Director. Their "documents" were also shared through Skype's share feature.
Well, I'm so thankful for how the project took on new directions as we continued to learn new tools and had the desire to integrate them into our classrooms. We added 3 new tools:
I love the use of Post-It Notes in class. We use them all the time for so many purposes, so what could be better than an online version. Students in both classes shared predictions. Students could easily create a "sticky" with Stixy! They were excited to type them on a sticky instead of writing them.
The kids were finding so many facts about the Amazon Rainforest while reading about Jack and Annie's adventure. Flockdraw allows you to write or draw collaboratively in real time. Both groups flocked together for a meeting to record their facts. Students were fascinated that they could see the facts being typed simaltaneausly. A definate benefit to this site - no refresh button needed here!
Last, Andrew sent our class a "wall." Here we utilized this form of online sticky note posts to make more predictions. It was a more straight-forward, simple, and user-friendly form of stickies for second graders. No invitations needed either - one can just double click and leave a message.
IMPACT? One student's attitude towards reading and school totally changed for the positive through these experiences.
It's vital for learners, both teacher and student, to look back and reflect on one's learning. At the close of this project, students predicted how the story would end, composed a new ending to the story, recorded their favorite new fact about the rainforest, as well as what they enjoyed the most.
It's vital for learners, both teacher and student, to look back and reflect on one's learning. At the close of this project, students predicted how the story would end, composed a new ending to the story, recorded their favorite new fact about the rainforest, as well as what they enjoyed the most.
Here's the collaborative VoiceThread -
Impressed? Even though these students read independently, it doesn't mean that they are readers who have a desire to read and have a love for it. These readers needed to be challenged and engaged to realize that reading for them has taken on a new purpose - they aren't learning to read, but are now reading to learn. Also, these students learned how to use new tools and have become independent and confident with them - empowerment!
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