Over the past few weeks, I have been learning a lot about the integration of digital storytelling into a classroom curriculum in one of my classes at UCF. This week, I was able to create my own curriculum page using a Wiki publisher (You can check it out here: https://megan-smith.wikispaces.com/ ). I chose to make my curriculum page based on the lesson I briefly described here in my blog about using digital storytelling in a social studies unit about early Florida exploration and settlement.
I have to say that at first, I didn't think that I would be able to figure out how to use a Wiki. Up until a few weeks ago, I didn't even know what a wiki was. I have become used to blogging and using social networking sites such as Facebook, but I have never before had to use a Wiki platform. I actually thought that Wiki meant Wikipedia until taking this course and realzing that there is more to it than just that one site! (Don't I feel out of the loop?)
As I sat down to begin creating my curriculum page, at first I found it difficult to create a whole curriculum page (complete with graphics, different fonts and links to different sections of the page) from scratch. I am used to working with templates, and by logging onto my Wiki and seeing a large empty space was a bit discouraging. However, by viewing examples of other curriculum pages and through the help of a WebQuest template example (http://webquest.sdsu.edu/templates/lesson-template1.htm), I was able to get started pretty easily. In fact, as I begin to work on my page, I found that the Wiki platform is actually pretty simple and a lot easier to use than I had initially though it would be. I found myself totally engrossed in creating this page, and hours later I am actually quite pleased with the final product.
I think that curriculum pages are a great way for both students and their parents to find in depth information on projects and activities that are coming up, and can be a useful tool in communication between teacher and student/parents. I also found that by providing students with links to teacher-approved, safe and relevant serach engines and web pages, we can make sure that our students are where they are supposed to be while using the Internet. I definately plan on including curriculum pages onto my personal homepage when I begin teaching.
Megan I really liked the comment, “curriculum pages are a great way for both students and their parents to find in depth information on projects and activities that are coming up, and can be a useful tool in communication between teacher and student/parents.” I kept thinking I created a great page for my students to use. It never really dawned on me that parents would also be using this page as well. Perhaps, in further curriculum pages, I will include a parent section about how parents can help their children on the assignment. However, be careful when you post student names on the internet. You posted the students names in groups without last names which is helpful however you might get a few complaints from parents. Even though I teach high school Social Studies, I can definitely use different parts of your curriculum page for my class.
ReplyDeleteI also stopped when you mentioned students and their parents in your blog. That caught my attention right away. I am always trying to find new ways for parents to be involved with their children. I teach at a private school, so many of my parents are actively involved in their child's learning. This would be a simple and great way to get the parents involved. Thank you for mentioning that in your blog.
ReplyDeleteI also found that while this project wasn't hard, it took a long time for me to finish it. And i went back several time to fix things that I didn't like, or that I could do better. I think including this curriculum page into your "teacher homepage" would be a great way to keep parents and students up to date on what is going on in your classroom.
Megan H
Creating a place not only for students but also for parents is very important. Parents tend to think that everything is okay with their students until they see that report card and don't know how to stay connected within their students schools after elementary school. Having multiple teachers and the idea that a teacher will call with any concerns works with elementary students, but in middle school and high school it is a little bit more far fetch as we have more than 120 + students. The parent contacts tend to be the worst offenders. Having examples of expectations and additional resources also gives differentiation for your students.
ReplyDelete