Well apparently I can’t count, I said that my last post was for week 10, however this is week 10. I am excited to share what I learnt this week. This activity was a huge learning experience for me and my students and I would like to share it with you.
In my grade four Science class we were wrapping up a unit called “Waste in Our World,” and as our final project I asked students to make a movie or trailer teaching other students in the school. The science learning outcome 4.5.11: Identify actions that individuals and groups can take to minimize the production of wastes, to recycle or reuse wastes and to ensure the safe handling and disposal of wastes. They were to use and iPad and the iMovie app for their creations. This project as a whole was very successful but there were a few glitches.
1) Planning: we know as teachers that planning is paramount to ensure that our classes run smoothly. I should have had students plan and write a script. I happened to be away the second day of this project and that was the day that I wanted to check planning and scripts. I should have insisted that the sub not hand out the iPads, hindsight is always 20/20. Because the students were not fully planned they wandered without an end in sight as a result the project took twice as long as I had anticipated and planned for.
2) Time for Project: This project should have only taken approximately three forty minute classes with two flex classes; just because that is how life goes. This project took two and a half weeks to produce a two minute movie. Honestly I feel that is a failing on my part. The students took advantage of the time I gave them. In the future I will a strict timeline.
3) Viewing Platform: I am not sure how I can get all of these movies that are on six different iPads to one central location and to allow for a screening. FOIP is very strong and important to our school culture which prohibits me from showing their work on a larger platform. Many students would like to share their work with their parents and I am unable to allow that. I find the inability to share our work with a larger audience disappointing.
My students thoroughly enjoyed this project. I liked that they could express their understanding in a manner other than pen and paper. This activity allows for all students to participate and have an active role. I will use this project again and I will be better planned.
That’s my view from the 86th pew, Michelle
In my grade four Science class we were wrapping up a unit called “Waste in Our World,” and as our final project I asked students to make a movie or trailer teaching other students in the school. The science learning outcome 4.5.11: Identify actions that individuals and groups can take to minimize the production of wastes, to recycle or reuse wastes and to ensure the safe handling and disposal of wastes. They were to use and iPad and the iMovie app for their creations. This project as a whole was very successful but there were a few glitches.
1) Planning: we know as teachers that planning is paramount to ensure that our classes run smoothly. I should have had students plan and write a script. I happened to be away the second day of this project and that was the day that I wanted to check planning and scripts. I should have insisted that the sub not hand out the iPads, hindsight is always 20/20. Because the students were not fully planned they wandered without an end in sight as a result the project took twice as long as I had anticipated and planned for.
2) Time for Project: This project should have only taken approximately three forty minute classes with two flex classes; just because that is how life goes. This project took two and a half weeks to produce a two minute movie. Honestly I feel that is a failing on my part. The students took advantage of the time I gave them. In the future I will a strict timeline.
3) Viewing Platform: I am not sure how I can get all of these movies that are on six different iPads to one central location and to allow for a screening. FOIP is very strong and important to our school culture which prohibits me from showing their work on a larger platform. Many students would like to share their work with their parents and I am unable to allow that. I find the inability to share our work with a larger audience disappointing.
My students thoroughly enjoyed this project. I liked that they could express their understanding in a manner other than pen and paper. This activity allows for all students to participate and have an active role. I will use this project again and I will be better planned.
That’s my view from the 86th pew, Michelle
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