This is the second time I've done something very new with this class.
At this time of year, 6th grade studies China. They will be in that unit for five weeks. This year, they are going to incorporate making a web page into the unit.
The group was divided into teams of 4-5. The homeroom teachers were responsible for making the teams and paired students based on strengths.
There was a discussion if teams should be made up of students all in one class (I would see entire teams at once for computer class) or from mixed students (I would see all teams, but only half of the members in my class). I suggested the ability to work with teams asynchronously was a good skill for them to learn. So, it was decided to make mixed teams.
We introduced the project in the combined lab class. This class always goes just a bit slower--with 23 12 year olds arranged in a circle around the room with their backs to me (I am rearranging the lab over the summer--its just too much of an undertaking until then) does not always create the best arrangement.
The 6th grade teacher introduced the teams and provided them with their printed information resource. I went over the directions of what needs to be included on the final website--including where to find it (printed packet, web and other research, and self made drawings, etc.). I also gave some requirements for making a website. I've done projects before where several students focus on displaying information and overlook creating an interesting product.
Each team made a team page on the class wiki. I introduced the concept of tagging by having them tag the page. I also showed that they can use tagging to create specialized navigation (I didn't have time to show how to do it yet).
I showed them a sample page that I had created, and allowed them to grade it for content and creativity. I scored around a B on content and D- on creativity (they were much harsher on creativity than I'll be, which is probably good for them). Having created a subpar product, though, allowed for the students to not only express their opinion, but to also express to me they understood what I was looking for. So, right now I feel very confident that a majority of the students understand what the expectations are.
I wanted to also introduce the discussion boards, but I ran out of time.
Next time I will see the teams in separate groups. I plan to introduce the discussion boards (to allow the inter-class planning and work to begin) and review the concepts of web searching, verifying info, citing sources (and where exactly to keep that information). I may address navigation and the use of multiple pages. I hope to provide a lot of class time for beginning to find and document sources. I will do the same thing in both classes.
The only problem I really had was students editing the page while I was talking. After really thinking about it, I decided this doesn't bother me as long as students are paying attention and not distracting or insulting one another. It did become a distraction to students who weren't "in on it" (only about 4 boys were doing this). And, some of the comments bordered on insulting. I will have to make sure to address the appropriateness of editing the pages during class, and online behavior. I think with this age I need to remember that online behavior has to be addressed often. They are really only saying things online that they would say face to face--but sarcasm doesn't play well online. And, of course, online comments are far more permanent than a playground jab.
Here's a screen shot of the project homepage
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