PART A- Description of Need or Opportunity

The need that I have identified for my 'wicked problem project' is the need for my students to be able to cooperatively work in a small group to create a summary of the novel they read as they work in literature circles. My sixth graders are currently in working in groups of 3 or 4 students based on a novel that they have selected to read. They read independently, then meet as a group to discuss what they read, identify vocabulary,  make predictions, and then summarize the novel. When the students are summarizing the novel, they are using pencil and paper, bringing their own ideas, and then creating a summary as a group. Each student is copying their own summary that the group creates. This is starting to become a tedious part of the group meeting time. I would like the students to be able to use a wiki for creating these summaries. I predict that this will be an engaging activity for them. I plan on using Wikispaces for educators as the means for students to create their summaries. I am relatively inexperienced with wikis and have never used them in the classroom, so I will start out with a couple groups of students to see how it works out.  I teach 97 sixth graders and I would like to start with a sample group to compare to the students who are using pencil and paper for summaries. If it appears that the wikis are a useful tool in the classroom, then I will have all groups use them when students start new literature circle groups at the end of April. I also plan on sharing the use of wikis with other middle school staff. At this point in time there are no teachers in my building incorporating the use of wikis in the classroom. The wiki is a cost free tool and educators at my school all have access to computer labs. If using a wiki for creating a group summary in literature circles is worthwhile, then I will continue to use wikis in the future.

CEP 812 Personal Introduction

Below is a YouTube link for my personal introduction:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqfHg5vcq2c&feature=youtube_gdata

CEP 811 Final Reflections

When integrating technology in the classroom there are some things that I have learned about effective teaching strategies. It is important that you incorporate a blend of technology, pedagogy, and content when planning a lesson. Using a backward design of indentifying desired results, determining acceptable evidence, and then planning  learning experiences and instruction, is a quality approach when integrating technology.

Integrating web-based technologies helped me to think about and evaluate the uses of technology. I found it useful to create a lesson plan and then the evaluate it by applying the three UDL principles: representation, expression, and engagement. It reminded me to keep in mind the purpose of what I am trying to teach in a lesson and how to reach my learners. Also, I found the TPaCK group activity helpful. It was worthwhile to spend time evaluating lessons, examining them from a technological, pedagogical, and content view, with my peers.

I have met my own personal goals for learning about technology integration, and I found this course very worthwhile. I have already been using the StAIR that I created, "Amazing Adverbs", on the SMART Board in my sixth grade classroom. The webpage that I created has current information on it and  it could be used tomorrow if I choose to direct parents and students to it. I have stumbled upon many useful resources such as a 'cartoon maker' that I can use with my students, through doing activities for CEP 811.

My current goal is to continue expanding my knowledge through taking CEP 812. My long-term goal is to apply my course credits earned to a masters program, and to continue learning strategies to effectively teach when integrating technology.