Things to do before starting a web2.0 project. Simple suggestions to think about ahead of time. Part of my 'Learning Conversations' presentation at BLC08

1. Project 2.Oh Yeah! Before I start ‘building’… What scaffolding should I have in place? David Truss http://pairadimes.davidtruss.com BLC08

2. Learn from others Learning from My Online Project Mistakes http://ssedro.blogspot.com/2008/01/reflecting-on-parable-learning-from-my.html by Susan Sedro Making Connections: Social Networking in the Elementary Classroom http://mscofino.edublogs.org/2007/12/22/making-connections-social-networking-in-the-elementary-classroom/ by Kim Cofino Wikis in the classroom: a reflection http://pairadimes.davidtruss.com/reflection-on-wikis/ by Dave Truss

3. Support Resources: Do you have what you need? Expertise: In your class (students) In your school In your district Online

4. Parent Permission Will students be creating an online account? Who can see the work? Who can add to it? Will there be images of students online? Can parents see what is going online? Is it necessary (or helpful) to have access at home? District expectations? What else?

5. Start small: this is new to many of your students too! Let them see some little successes before you start something BIG!

6. For Example: Create a cartoon that tells a story. Use a wiki to plan a field trip. Create a Google map that measures everywhere students travel (24/7) for a week.

7. If you can’t start small… Success for platforms incremental some Create

8. In the beginning… A ‘cold’ start is hard for students! (…and adults too.)

9. Scaffolding Begin with the end in mind. Do students know what is expected? Do they know enough to get started?

10. “ Do a Powerpoint.” Do they have the skills they need? For example, you say:

11. And you get this: Slide 12 in ‘ Dodging Bullets in Presentations ’ by Rowan Manahan

12. Design Matters!

13. “ Please don’t give us another movie assignment.” Is it a movie-making assignment or can students demonstrate their learning In a different way?

14. Scaffolding Pre-reading Examples Research Research skills Brainstorming K-W-L

15. Scaffolding Use your ‘A’ Team What does ______________________ look like? an ‘A’

16. Scaffolding Use your ‘A’ Team What does ______________________ look like? a well written paragraph

17. Scaffolding Use your ‘A’ Team What does ______________________ look like? a good slide show

18. Scaffolding Use your ‘A’ Team What does ______________________ look like? a good online discussion

19. Scaffolding Use your ‘A’ Team What does ______________________ look like? appropriate online behavior

20. Scaffolding Use examples from your class. Use examples from all levels of students.

21. Scaffolding “ Look what Meghan did this weekend!” What was good about Dana’s feedback ? How did his input help Sharon ? Do you see how Renn used images to make is page better ? What makes Sara’s paragraph so good ? What advice can we give Lawrence to help him improve this ? See a pattern here ?

22. Scaffolding Model, Model, Model! Not just your students… you too! “ Everything from behavior, to attitude, to quality of comments, to spelling and grammar, to appropriate use of the variety of features available.”

23. Scaffolding The balancing act: Give them the criteria BUT Give them freedom too! Too much structure robs them of creative opportunities.

24. Timing Things WILL go slower than expected! When are the holidays? When are marks due?

25. Expectations Another balancing act: Have high expectations. Be realistic. Be flexible.

26. Assessment What’s more important? The final product? The process? Both? How important is Formative Assessment in a project like this? Do students understand criteria before they get started? Did you and your students begin with the end in mind?

27. Assessment What are your learning outcomes? Are you: Counting marks, or Marking what counts?

28. Attitude! Student will mirror your: Frustration, Enthusiasm, Motivation, Interest, Expectations!

29. Audience Matters! And finally… Share with: Your school Parents The world!