Friday, 3:45. The end of a long, but productive week. My New Media class succeeded in publishing their first blog posts by the deadline (the end of class today).\
21 Classes has proved to be challenging, but not impossible for us to master. I am tickled at my students' lack of technological expertise with this particular literacy. I have a handful of students who are "pros"--comfortable with diving in and playing until they figure out how to do what they want to do. The others need varying levels of support, ranging from gentle prodding to hand-holding to a quick nudge.
Our class today was most exciting at about 10 minutes before the bell when I instructed the students who had successfully posted to go and help those that needed help.
I recommend 21 classes.com (forgive me blogger--I enjoy writing here, but the two-layer platform enables each student to personalize their own space and provides the teacher with an easily navigated site!) to any teacher!
I end the week pleased with the classes' set up. I have truly removed myself from front and center. The students sit in "Blog Pods" (our term!). They help eachother, collaborate, edit, and support. I moniter from the sidelines, on my Mac teacher computer, or wandering among the pods.
On Fridays, a student and I bring snacks, and the writers can get up from their desks and get a snack. Music plays on my laptop, thanks to Pandora (msn.com's customizable Internet radio) and the 50 minutes flies by. Why wasn't school this much fun when I was a kid?
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1 comment:
That question you asked at the very end of your post sums it all up! I would ask also, why can't school be that much fun for all learners, in all classrooms?
I am still amazed at all that you have done with the class in such a very short period of time! I understand why you are both exhausted and exhilerated!
I will write more when I get a chance. I am very excited about checking out your new blogging resource. Thanks for telling us about it!
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