Transcript Creating Collaborative Learning Environments

Collaborative
Learning
Environments
Brian Kayser
Special Education Teacher at Walton
Middle School in
Charlottesville, VA
[email protected]
The Physical Space
As a special education teacher, I have
mostly taught collaborative classes, which
meant I was always the guest in another
teacher’s classroom.
When I was given space this year, I wanted
to redesign it so the kids could feel as
though they had their own space.
Steps I took...
There were three teacher desks in the
space over the summer. I got rid of all
three.
Got rid of all desks and replaced them with
round tables. They’ve been much easier for
the students to use for collaboration.
Took down all posters on wall. The only
things that go on the wall are studentcreated work and materials and our map to
show where we’ve connected this year.
Steps I took...
Added comfort furniture to the class. There
are beanbags, pillows, empty five gallon
buckets, and a couch.
Most students sit in different places each
day. This simple decision means they enter
the class already thinking.
Students can sit where they want as long
as they are on task.
What it looks like...
To view panorama, please visit:
http://360.io/KJgU4p
Student Blogging
Each student has their own EduBlog.org
blog (total cost for 50 students is $40)
Students choose their theme and color
layout
Students learn to post only the work they
are truly proud of
All student blogs are posted on the
language arts website for easy access
Students are given time to comment on
Some examples
One more example
Global Fiction
Readings
Global Fiction
Readings
Students write, edit, and rewrite
When students have a final draft, they
practice reading with a partner
Students then read their writing to their
classmates on a scheduled day
The reading is also broadcast through
Ustream, a video streaming service (free),
to family and other classes that can tune in
Global Fiction
Reading Cont.
Students receive immediate feedback from
their classmates and teachers
Through Twitter and Ustream, students
also receive feedback
Some Feedback...
Thanks, Rebecca, Tyler, et al. Now I know from whence many of you come, your
backgrounds and bios.
I enjoyed hearing y'all read. Not only was it interesting to hear your views about
important topics such as bullying, but I enjoyed the fiction and poems, too. Flying dogs,
magic bears, ghosts, and dragons (lots of them)? Thieves dressed in flags? Foods
flavored with rosemary? And there was a lot more, too. Some of these things reminded
me of what I think is called "magical reality."
The writing I heard was very impressive. There were many excellent sentences; the clear
sentences made it easy for me to understand the ideas you were presenting. I also
heard many writers using sophisticated and strong vocabulary.; colorful words helped to
paint a picture for me about what was happening in a parking lot, and action verbs
helped to describe the movements of characters.
Congratulations.
JohnL
More Uses for
Ustream...
I’ve also used Ustream to broadcast our
band concerts, talent show, and
graduation.
By sharing the Ustream link with families
and other classrooms, it gives our kids a
wider, authentic audience.
Link: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/waltonwildcats
More feedback from our
Ustream events...
More feedback from our
Ustream events...
Google Docs
Google Docs allows for collaboration during
the writing process.
Students can view each other’s work from
their own computer and leave comments
and ideas for each other.
Students can collaborate on one document
at the same time from different computers,
or from one and they all automatically have
the updated document as long as it is
Pen Pals
Students have pen pals from Ireland and
Australia.
They have the opportunity to describe
Charlottesville to their pen pals and to learn
about other cultures.
Students share letters through email and
Google Docs
Skyping
My students have Skyped with other middle
school classes to share work and listen to others’
work.
We’ve Skyped with our pen pals in Ireland.
We’ve Skyped with elementary classes to listen to
their work and teach them new material.
We’ve Skyped with a 9/11 survivor.
We’ve Skyped with a variety of classes for Dot
Day, Digital Learning Day, and Read Across
Contact
Brian Kayser
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @bkayser11
Blog: bkayser11.wordpress.com