Reflective+Journal+for+week+of+Dec+10

The student needs assessment was administered this week. We did not change any of the survey, even though many urged us to take the name off of it. We left it on so we would know who had access to computers, and who would need extra help learning the skills we want to use with the students as we learn more about the 21st century technology skills needed to make our students successful. We di run into a problem with our survey, while looking at the spreadsheets of our students data, we discovered that it would have been better to read the survey to the students as they were taking it. . we decided to readminister the survey and make this change. Hopefully this will allow us to get more reliable data from our students.

In reading the article on project learning by the Edutopia staff, I have to say I agree with some of their ideas. but in our system it seems unfair to base a students grade on a project. I was just part of a project in the classroom, many students did not have any help to complete this. I gave up almost the whole weeks planning periiod to help these students complete their work on the computer and make thier boards. They need to have access to all the materials needed to complete these projects if we are going to grade them on their work. To me this is a big problem,

I do like the concept of inquiry based learning. Especially the aspect of problem solving, and the skills needed to do that. The Virtualinquiry.com article was very informative and helpful. I can see being able to implement some of these strategies in the classroom. But here again, it would have to be where ALL students had the same access to the technology needed.

The article on creating digital stories was interesting. I think all of these things will be great tools for our classrooms. First though I have to figure out how to use them for myself. I know the students will think it is fun and exciting. I think this will definitely be a great tool to expand their learning.

Hi I am glad you guys completed the survey! I hope the results help with your planning. Hopefully through the grant money you can provide students with the technology they need to complete the projects. Good luck!! Teresa