Objectives
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This file shows a table connecting the different topics in the Digiteen Project with the activities to be completed as well as the CCSS this project will support in the general ELA class.
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Technical needs
The Digiteen Project requires the use of computer and several Web 2.0 tools for the duration of 2-3 class periods per week. Currently, LEMS has one stationary computer lab, seven mobile laptop carts with an average of 30 computers on each, and three smaller mobile computers labs with approximately 10 computers on each one. For the project, the teacher would benefit from choosing two days a week for working on the Digiteen Project and reserve one of the mobile laptop carts in advance. Optimally, I would use the Dell laptops for this project since they are the newest computers in our building, and each one has a camera and microphone built into it. Our computer labs have a sign-out sheet on each one so long term planning is easy to do to ensure computer access. The Internet connection at LEMS is pretty strong and consistent however the county occasionally is doing maintenance to the system so backup plans (offline research, planning, etc.) will need to be considered in the long term planning of this project.
Another technological consideration for this project is that the lead teacher needs to be relatively familiar with Web 2.0 tools such as Fuze, Edmodo, Google Docs, Skype, etc. Each of the components in the project requires the use of at least one of the listed tools. Last year I was able to test out Edmodo and the use of the Google Drive but I would need to become more familiar with the use video conferencing tools like Skype and Fuze in the classroom. Prior to having students using these tools, I would need to test out them out on the student computers to check for accessibility, ease of use, and ability to function as intended. I would ask other teachers in the building to help me experiment with the tools, an activity that might get them interested in using the same type of technology in their classrooms.
Another technological consideration for this project is that the lead teacher needs to be relatively familiar with Web 2.0 tools such as Fuze, Edmodo, Google Docs, Skype, etc. Each of the components in the project requires the use of at least one of the listed tools. Last year I was able to test out Edmodo and the use of the Google Drive but I would need to become more familiar with the use video conferencing tools like Skype and Fuze in the classroom. Prior to having students using these tools, I would need to test out them out on the student computers to check for accessibility, ease of use, and ability to function as intended. I would ask other teachers in the building to help me experiment with the tools, an activity that might get them interested in using the same type of technology in their classrooms.
Difficulties you might encounter
A Few Bumps in the Road
It is necessary to identify that a project of this magnitude would encounter many difficulties and hurdles that would need to be addressed and considered ahead of time so that it can actually come to fruition. Some of the anticipated difficulties I envision would be:
While the difficulties listed above could prevent the success of the Digiteen Project, I foresee two other issues being reason to reevaluate participation in the project.
If any of these major roadblocks took place and could not be taken care of, I would have to discontinue the collaborative part of the project. Fortunately, one of the end goals is a presentation of digital citizenship skills to the whole school, so I would be able to have students complete the project using offline resources and print outs to accomplish the same goal.
It is necessary to identify that a project of this magnitude would encounter many difficulties and hurdles that would need to be addressed and considered ahead of time so that it can actually come to fruition. Some of the anticipated difficulties I envision would be:
- Parents may not want their children to be involved in such a project. There are some parents who are very protective of the access their children have to different things on the Internet and are hesitant to allow them to video conference or collaborate with people in other states or countries. One way I would be able to address this issue to have parents sign a permission slip allowing their child participation in the project. Within the text of the permission slip, I would explain the goals of the project, all of the skills and objectives they would be gaining, the technologies to be used, and offer any kind of assistance or support they would need for their child to participate. Additionally, I would be able to offer alternate assignments on the topic of Digital Citizenship for students whose parents do not want them to participate with the collaborative piece of the project, however they would still be able to participate in the school-wide presentation of the action project.
- Administration may not support the project. As with any type of project where students are interacting with others outside of the school building, I would need to get administrative support to make the Digiteen Project a reality. I imagine some of the questions my administration might ask would be: How will the student interactions be monitored? What are the anticipated learning objectives and goals? Is this the best way to meet the needs of the students? How can you ensure student privacy? How could a project like this benefit other students? I would like to be able to ensure the success of the project with my administration by offering a view of what has already been done through the Flat Classroom projects as well as the Digiteen Project. I would also be able to show them the plan that has already been created for the project, reinforcing the model as one that has already been met with much success.
- Inability to fund the project. The cost to participate in the Digiteen Project is approximately $100 for a teacher and a class of 15 students. In Howard County, we do have a certain amount of money allotted to each department in schools, however it has been increasingly more difficult to use these monies for individual projects or classes. If I was unable to secure funding through the English department, I would ask administration for funding. If they are unable to fund it, I would ask the students to contribute money or to complete some kind of fundraising activity. If necessary, and if the students were really excited about the project, I would fund it myself.
While the difficulties listed above could prevent the success of the Digiteen Project, I foresee two other issues being reason to reevaluate participation in the project.
- Technical Difficulties: I am afraid that I would not be able to access video conferencing tools in the classroom and that my class would come up against many problems when collaborating through the Google Drive which is provided by HCPSS and has very strict rules of use.
- Inappropriate interaction amongst students: Since I am working with students ranging from 13 to 15 years old, they are frequently using social media to do inappropriate things on it. When you add in students from the same age group from another part of the country or world, it could be a recipe for disaster.
- Lack of Technological Skills: Students are considered "digital natives" today but it does not mean that they know how use all of the technological tools necessary for this project. I am afraid they may become easily frustrated when something isn't immediately easy and give up on the whole project all together.
If any of these major roadblocks took place and could not be taken care of, I would have to discontinue the collaborative part of the project. Fortunately, one of the end goals is a presentation of digital citizenship skills to the whole school, so I would be able to have students complete the project using offline resources and print outs to accomplish the same goal.