Submitted by: Katie Schmid
Collaborators: Pam Graham
School: Pemberton Elementary
Summary
5th grade students work collaboratively in the virtual environment on a story discussion, and then evaluate and edit their work, based on their discussion, in order to demonstrate comprehension of a story and the parts that make up the story.
The students read a story and completed a story map based on the story. Then they worked collaboratively to complete one group story map to share with students reading the same story in a classroom located in a different school. The students then connected via a web 2.0 tool to share their work and discuss the story. Their story maps gave them a framework for the discussion and helped them focus on the important parts of the story. The children were instructed on “appropriate” ways to discuss stories. For example how to use positive phrasing even when you do not agree with a response. After the discussion students were allowed to edit their story map to reflect new understanding based on their discussion. Work was collected and used for an assessment.
TIPC Ratings
The primary focus of this lesson was not research based. Teacher modeled various strategies students could use and then supported their preparation for their on-line discussion. Students assembled and organized their information and then shared their results during the online discussions with a 5th grade located at another school.
After their on-line discussions students reflected on how our collaboration went, and determined they would like to do this again. They would like to have other forms of technology that would include video feed.
Students assessed their work after their on-line discussion and made corrections based on those discussions. They also made suggestions for future lessons; ie groups of 3 would be easier and adding in video feed to make the exchange of information flow more smoothly.
Due to the time of year, teacher disigned this task, however, upon reflection after the lesson, students shared ideas for improving the experience.
