We had reached a point in the project where we needed to talk with Ian, so a Skype session was scheduled for yesterday. Some of my students were away at the City Track Meet and were sorry to have missed the opportunity, but we will definitely schedule a second one.
Aside from discussing kangaroos (they can't really box) and wombats (they can be larger than a grade 6 student) Ian had great advice for the kids. We've been struggling a little bit with competing ideas about the overall design. Ian pointed out that there are many tourism apps available that are slick and sophisticated, but none that have been created by children. Our app will stand out if it looks like it has been created by kids and is written from children's points of view. This insight was extremely useful. My students now have a clearer understanding of how to move ahead. The voice of experience is an important consideration in collaborative projects. This morning when we went into the lab, the students set to work industriously and a great deal was accomplished in a short period of time and then ....
our lab was shut down.
EQAO, Ontario's version of standardized testing, begins on Monday. We have a number of students in grades 3 and 6 who will be using assistive technology during the test and the lab needs to be set up. All the computers are being reimaged and loaded with the test. The lab will remain closed for 8 school days. Sigh. I am left with 1 networked computer in my classroom where students can access their work. This will slow us down a bit. As a result, we've decided to leave the design of the button page until after the test and will work to get the writing finalized.
This is just one of many interruptions of the project due to school events, assemblies, outings, the track meet, the school play, Jump Rope for Heart, and practising for the test. This is a busy time of year in schools and all teachers struggle with competing interests in the race to the finish line!
Ian has asked that we post our design ideas for the button page on the wiki for feedback and to send completed pictures and writing to Australia for a test run. We will do that.
Aside from discussing kangaroos (they can't really box) and wombats (they can be larger than a grade 6 student) Ian had great advice for the kids. We've been struggling a little bit with competing ideas about the overall design. Ian pointed out that there are many tourism apps available that are slick and sophisticated, but none that have been created by children. Our app will stand out if it looks like it has been created by kids and is written from children's points of view. This insight was extremely useful. My students now have a clearer understanding of how to move ahead. The voice of experience is an important consideration in collaborative projects. This morning when we went into the lab, the students set to work industriously and a great deal was accomplished in a short period of time and then ....
our lab was shut down.
EQAO, Ontario's version of standardized testing, begins on Monday. We have a number of students in grades 3 and 6 who will be using assistive technology during the test and the lab needs to be set up. All the computers are being reimaged and loaded with the test. The lab will remain closed for 8 school days. Sigh. I am left with 1 networked computer in my classroom where students can access their work. This will slow us down a bit. As a result, we've decided to leave the design of the button page until after the test and will work to get the writing finalized.
This is just one of many interruptions of the project due to school events, assemblies, outings, the track meet, the school play, Jump Rope for Heart, and practising for the test. This is a busy time of year in schools and all teachers struggle with competing interests in the race to the finish line!
Ian has asked that we post our design ideas for the button page on the wiki for feedback and to send completed pictures and writing to Australia for a test run. We will do that.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Heidi invites you to comment on your attempts to transform your teaching practice.