Sep
29
Written by:
Instructional Technology
9/29/2010 11:21 PM
By: Dana Levesque
LOCAL 5 ( Littleton Online Community of Adolescent Learners 5th grade )
Students in Littleton can have access to Google Apps, Wikis, Blogs and other online tools but the exposure to these tools depends on the classroom they are in. Some teachers use Wikis consistently while others use Blogs or Google Apps. Each teacher uses the tool or tools that they feel work for their classroom.
One of our Instructional Technology department goals is to promote equitable and efficient use of hardware, software and web services. So… one morning on the way to work I thought of the idea to create an environment for students where regardless of their teacher they all have equal exposure to a variety of tools that they may or may not be exposed to in class.
We are currently piloting this idea with 5th graders from over 10 LPS elementary schools (about 500 students). A Google Site was created as the hub for student access. Students in this pilot are individually invited so access is restricted to invitation only.
By: Dana Levesque
LOCAL 5 ( Littleton Online Community of Adolescent Learners 5th grade )
Students in Littleton can have access to Google Apps, Wikis, Blogs and other online tools but the exposure to these tools depends on the classroom they are in. Some teachers use Wikis consistently while others use Blogs or Google Apps. Each teacher uses the tool or tools that they feel work for their classroom.
One of our Instructional Technology department goals is to promote equitable and efficient use of hardware, software and web services. So… one morning on the way to work I thought of the idea to create an environment for students where regardless of their teacher they all have equal exposure to a variety of tools that they may or may not be exposed to in class.
We are currently piloting this idea with 5th grade students from over 10 LPS elementary schools (about 500 students). A Google Site was created as the hub for student access. Students in these pilot classes are individually invited so access is restricted to invitation only.
There are a variety of tools students are exposed to and many ways they can get involved.
- Blog: Give your opinion or thoughts on the topic of the week
- RSS Feed: Keep up to date with current events in the world today
- Writer’s Corner: We are using Google Docs that are embedded in a Google Site page. Students currently have access to This I Believe and Short Stories Docs where they can freely submit their work for other students to read and comment on.
- Photos: Develop a community feeling. Send in your class photo for the Picasa Slideshow
- Resources: Access to copyright free – music, images, videos in addition to links to our library databases, and video services.
- Digital Citizenship/Internet Safety: Learn how to be an Active Responsible Online Citizen
- The Bookshelf: The Bookshelf ( Shelfari ) seemed like a logical place for this tool. Instead of each teacher creating their own Shelfari account and adding books to it... why can’t there be ONE shelf for an entire grade level to access? The below screenshot shows two lists. A student shelf, books recommended by student for students and a teacher shelf, books recommended by teachers for students. We are using a Google Form to collect student suggestions and have also linked the form to this page so students can see which students have been suggesting the books. We also have a link to a Google Group ( Join A Book Discussion ) where students can go to talk about a specific book with other fifth grade students throughout the district.
- Student Polls: VOTE – Students suggest Student Poll questions using a Google Form. We have an entire page dedicated to Student Polls.
- Show Your Smarts: Trivia/ Brainteasers / Math Problems - Students use a Google Form to attempt to answer the questions. If they answer the question correctly their username, teacher and school are posted next to the solved question.
- Contests: Enter your best work ( logo contest, drawing, writing contest…) Students send in their digital work to be posted for a specific contest.
- Schools: We have all the fifth grade teachers in Littleton listed on this page with links to their classroom wikis/blogs. Students now have easy access to see what other fifth graders are doing in Littleton.
- Showcase Student Work: Post your student work on your class wiki/blog for others to see
- Suggestions: This is currently the biggest focus. We want LOCAL5 to be a place for students to learn but also a place they want to voluntarily go. LOCAL5 is not part of the classroom experience. Once we introduce a pilot classroom to LOCAL5, students access it on their own time. Many fifth grade teachers have made LOCAL5 their homepage on their class set of netbooks so if students login early, they have 5minutes to participate in LOCAL5 while the teacher is collecting homework/taking attendance…
A suggestion we would really like to add would be Online Student Courses ( with student suggested topics of study ).
Since this is a pilot I am not sure how or if this will develop into a usable tool. The students currently seem excited and are actively using the site. Wondering what will happen in a few months.
If you are currently doing something similar in your district and/or have suggestions or ideas, please feel free to respond to this post.
Dana Levesque
6 comment(s) so far...
Re: LOCAL 5
I have a Kindergartener am I am looking forward to working with LOCAL 5 so I can share in learning some of these applications with my child. Good luck with the pilot program I think it will be successful and still around when my son will be in 5th grade.
By Tom on
9/30/2010 7:56 AM
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Re: LOCAL 5
The pilot program looks great. Allowing children across classrooms to access information/applications along with and or despite their teachers usage is a promising way to create equitable opportunities for the students despite their primary educator. As a parent in Boulder I look forward to making similar suggestions locally and hope for projects that reflect this broad type of opportunity.
By Chris on
9/30/2010 8:54 PM
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Re: LOCAL 5
Such a great idea to provide access and encouragement for kids to participate in their own community. It will be interesting to watch them shape the direction and results of this site.
I'll take note of how widespread and common usage is of this site as I sub in different classrooms. I hope the Twain classes are part of the Pilot as I can so easily picture those kids using and enjoying Local 5.
Starting in February I'll get a daily opportunity to listen to student feedback and perceptions if the Hopkins students are involved. Exciting!
By Stephanie Logan on
11/24/2010 1:36 PM
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Re: LOCAL 5
How is your project Local 5 working for the kids? We are implementing Google Apps at our school. I have a private site set up for the students, including a Google Site with blogposts. I am currently revamping my writing program so that it is as "inspired" as yours. Congratulations on your progress, learning, and sharing.
By Sheri Edwards on
12/30/2010 11:07 AM
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Re: LOCAL 5
I'll take observe of how extensive and typical utilization is of this website as I sub in different sessions. I wish the Twain sessions are aspect of the Head as I can so quickly image those children using and experiencing Regional 5.
By Customized Folders on
3/13/2012 2:36 AM
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re:
That's a great attitude, I hope the incoming comments and suggestions are equally positive. I know I've said it in person, but for anyone reading the comments, its awesome!
onlineselling
www.skilch.com
By onlineselling on
5/15/2012 8:04 PM
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