While I began watching this the very first question that popped in my head was, "did they go over how to use a computer in a previous lesson"? I believe standard number one, that includes basic operations, was not covered properly. The first thing covered should be the absolute basics of computers. IE "here is how you scroll". I believe this point was solidified when the student said "I don't know how to make it any bigger" when creating the design that said "Springfield".
Also, instead of simply having students come up and scroll down, I would have allowed each student to complete the process in its entirety. This would allow for growth of knowledge and experience rather than just participation for the sake of participation. By including geographical elements I believe this teacher covered standard number two. But by looking up bland information such as record highs and lows this teacher is in now way stimulating creativity.
The instructor also handed out contradictory information by saying when you don't have anything to do you can talk about the assignment, then stating that you should be working on your portfolio. Kids need straight forward instruction, ambiguities need to be eliminated completely. Standard number five by using searches to find data sets and information for their projects.
Lastly I believe that asking "what did we learn today" is way to broad of a question. Children need a more directed question if you as an instructor want a detailed answer.
I think it's fair to say that this video is outdated - using Yahoo instead of Google or Weather.com, using IE on a Mac, etc. And I think the things you pointed out show how far we've come in just a few years.
ReplyDeleteOne of the things that struck me in the video was how well the groups worked together. With just one person running the controls, it opens the door for one person to do all the work while the others goof off. And yet, I didn't see that happen on the video.
UIS has a classroom specifically designed for collaborative work - UHB 2027. If you are ever on campus, I'd encourage you to take a look at it sometime. The room is arranged with 8 host stations (with big monitors hanging on the wall). Each host station is set up for 3 students. There are 24 laptops. We use Team Spot software in this classroom, which allows the students to connect their laptops to the host station. That way, they can display their work on the big screen without hovering around the small screen of a laptop. And even better, the Team Spot software allows them to control the big screen from their individual laptops. So they can take turns revising drafts and everyone is equally participating. It's pretty awesome!
You can see photos on our Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=120822&id=22751298851