Blogging

Using Technology to Write for an Authentic Audience

Students in Mrs. Valzania's grade 6 homeroom are getting ready to blog!  Last week, we spent time discussing blogging and writing for an audience outside of school.  Then each student setup a blog using Blogger.  Students learned to set permissions, comments, layout, theme, format, and sharing and then published their blogs on the internet.
Next steps will include posting their writing, adding images and links and responding to comments.
According to George Couros, author of The Innovator's Mindset, there are at least five great reasons students should blog (article). Blogging: allows for "open reflection". helps to "develop literacy through different mediums".
"gives students a space for their voice to be heard".
creates "an open archive of learning".
"develops a positive digital footprint".
Stay tuned for more about this exciting opportunity and be sure to watch out for our students' blogs as they flourish over the next few weeks.

Technology Essential Questions:

How does this digital tool help improve collaboration and/or communication?

How can we use this digital tool to create original, innovative works and demonstrate a student's unique voice?

How can we use this digital tool to address the different needs, learning styles, interests and abilities of students?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework

6-8.CAS.a; 6-8.CAS.b; 6-8.DTC.a.3; 6-8.DTC.a.4; 6-8.DTC.b

Team Building Escape Room Style

BreakoutEDU
Thanks to the PTO's Teacher Wishes Program!
Over the past week, students in Mrs. Valzania's Social Studies classes have been participating in their first round of Breakout EDU's.  The topic of this Breakout EDU was map skills.
Breakout EDU is the immersive learning games platform. With Breakout EDU kits, you can turn your classroom into an academically-focused escape room and facilitate games where players use teamwork and critical thinking to solve a series of challenging puzzles in order to open the locked box.

The fastest breakout clocked in at just 21 minutes! Congratulations to Mrs. Magee's Homeroom Team Green:

Mrs. Magee's Homeroom Breaking Out!

Do you have what it takes to BREAKOUT?

Students left feedback about their experience on this Flipgrid:

Technology Essential Questions: Why is exploration an important part of learning?
How can an "escape room" experience motivate students and inspire active participation? How can an "escape room" experience inspire critical thinking, collaboration, communication & creativity? How can we leverage a tool like Flipgrid to increase engagement and amplify student voice?
MA Common Core Standards: Content Standards Social Studies: K.4.1; K.4.3; 1.2.3; 2.2.1