In evaluating my project's success, I think the biggest thing would be to see the test scores. I have the students average scores from last year in solving quadratics by factoring, so by comparing those, I believe it would be a good indicator of whether or not using the blog and wiki were successful. Another way to compare these scores would be to look at next year's quiz scores from earlier in the chapter. The earlier quiz will have solving quadratics by factoring and previously, the retention from quiz to test was very low. By comparing this quiz to the test questions in this topic would also show if the project was successful or not.
Looking back at this project now, I think the biggest change I would do would have to surround the blog. Instead of creating a classroom blog, I think I would have the students create their own personal blogs. From here, I would require them to post at least once a week about something they learned or questioned in class. Then, they would also have to respond to at least two other classmates postings. That way, when time came for us to go over solving quadratics by factoring, every student would have an opportunity to express at least one thought. From here, every student would also provide some feedback to other students so that they could get even more conversation going about the topic. The only other thing I might change would maybe pick a different blog site, as so I do not have to invite every member by e-mail. Aside from that, right now I would keep the wiki the same and have the contributions to that be the same as they stand now.
The biggest lesson that others might benefit from knowing is primarily about the set up and privacy of the blog and wiki. In order for these to be successful, it is important that the privacy settings are really put in place. Personally, I have them set so that anyone can view the blog or wiki, but only people who are members of them can post or edit. The set up to create the blog and wiki are fairly quick, but creating them effectively takes some time. The blog will take some time inviting all the students' email addresses and be even more difficult if students do not have computer access or email access at home. Paying close attention to putting up specific directions on what you expect out of the wiki, as well as locking certain pages from editing is really crucial. It is even more crucial to make sure that postings and edits are moderated and not posted without being reviewed first, as to prevent any issues. Other than that, as long as you stay on top of things by maintaining dialogue and postings with the students in the blog and continue to post work for them on the wiki on a regular basis, it should work very well.
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I agree that letting students create their own blogs may give them a larger sense of ownership and responsibility.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't it seem like all things we attempt with technology there is always that privacy issue. A very important thing, no doubt. I think all teachers would want to be very educated from all angles concerning this topic to assure all parties of privacy and accountability.
Another idea that you might want to consider, is to place the students in small (SIG-like) groups of 3 to 4. Grouping can be mixed ability level. Then the students are responsible for commenting in their group mate's blogs, similar to what we are doing in this class. That way the students can't claim that they didn't know what to do and which blogs to post to. I agree with Jason - security is always an issue with Web 2.0 technologies. Privacy, cyberbullying, inappropriate posts and security, the list goes on. However, there is a very secure blogging tool called Class Blogmeister (gotta love the name)that requires a school pass code in order to register for an account. URL ~ http://classblogmeister.com/ This tool is was specifically developed for classroom use. Click on the Class Documentation link to access a PDF that contains directions on how to join up. Another option would involve and LMS, like Blackboard. Blackboard does have a blogging tool that can be added to any course you build. Good luck as you fully implement this project this fall.
ReplyDeleteDon,
ReplyDeleteI agree that individual blogs would create more ownership, however could be very overwhelming. I think what Susan said would work really well with SIG groups. Especially if you have more than 1 class posting on the Wiki or Blog, students might be less likely to feel comfortable posting in a large open forum like that. Makes me re-evaluate my Wiki TechQuest as well. Thanks for the ideas :)