This project was created as an assignment in Kid2Kid Videoconference Connections, an online class offered by Berrien RESA and taught by Janine Lim.
By Tina Keller March 2006
Project Title: Civics in Action
Actual topics used:
African American History Month Report, Musical renditions of songs "We Shall Overcome", Essays: What America has to offer to Immigrants, The Core Democratic Value most important to me? The/ My American Dream?
Possible topics include, but not limited to: Voting/ political parties, Current event/ controversial issues, Ex. The protesting at servicemen/women funerals. Other?.Brief Description: The actual project was one class period, could be on going throughout the semester or school year. My district's media specialist asked if I would be interested in connecting (VC) with another school as part of March ? Read Across America. The selected class (Southfield High School / Michigan) along w/ my high school civics class decided to participate. Torrie Bush, the Southfield teacher along with myself e-mailed several times and conversed over the telephone re: lesson plans ideas and how we would implement our 1 hr. time slot together.
Projected Time Frame: Preparation 3-4 class period in a 4x4 block schedule. 1 day actual performance video-conference = to one clock hour. The time frame could be flexible/ negotiable pending teacher requirements and availability.
How to sign up: For my actual VC, I signed up w/ my technology Dept. Media Specialist. The two people in charge of technology (VC) within each district would make initial contact and test the technology to hopefully ensure that no glitches will be encountered. In order to implement this type of lesson (Civics in Action)
Project registration deadline: For my actual March VC the deadline was the end of January. I would encourage participants to adhere to this same deadline for a March topic that reflected "Black History Month". If the topic were directed to be more general such as "current events" then the deadline could be anytime in the school year allowing for flexibility. Yet, at least 1 month prior to the actual scheduled VC would be of benefit. If a months notice is given the VC can be posted for other districts to participate in or have the county facilitator put on the web-page for the appropriate ISD's.
Number of classes that can participate: For this type of lesson it would ideally work best if 2 schools could partner. The "smallness" of the group would benefit all that participate, especially since reading and direct sharing/ commenting are involved. Technically, more than one school could participate, yet in order for students and faculty to benefit fully it would be best if the schools/ classes were paired up.
Type of connection: If the participating school were to work directly with (connect to) New Buffalo an IP/H.323 is necessary. If the connection is through the ISD then ISDN/H 320 is best.
Learner Outcomes/ Curriculum Benchmarks: What Learners are expected to accomplish .
- Historical Perspective Standard II Benchmarks 2 & 3
- Historical Perspective Standard IV Benchmark 2
- Civic Perspective Standard 2 Benchmarks 1 & 2
- Civic Perspective Standard 3 Benchmark 2
- Civic Perspective Standard 5 Benchmark 1
- Inquiry: Standard 1 Benchmarks 1 & 3
- Methods and Activities: How the topic will be conveyed:
- Cooperative Learning
- Persuasive Essays
Student based learning: very little direct instruction. Think-Pair-Share / Kagan Strategies
Materials:
- Choice topics for students to research/ write about
- Rubrics ? specifying requirements/ expectations
- Computers
- Library resources
- School partner to share info w/
- School partner to e-mail and plan w/
- ISDN # for actual VC
Time: Preparation time is approximately 3-4 class periods (depending on the topic and actual assignment) Video-Conference time should be limited to one class period, initially anyhow w/ follow up time optional or extended lessons optional.
What will students do? What will teachers do?
- Students will select a topic to research and share
- Students will organize thoughts and present material
- Students will ask and answer questions as presented
- Teacher will facilitate and organize
Agenda: Who will do each part? Which site? What visuals will be used for each portion?
- All of the above would vary pending schools participating and projects discussed.
With regard to New Buffalo and Southfield the following took place:
New Buffalo went first: assignment was described; Quotes were shared via document projector. Essays were shared and questions asked and answered. Southfield then presented their reports, sang a song, and held open microphone time for questions and answers.
Credit Due:
Suzanne Cramer - New Buffalo High School Media Specialist (technical support)
Torrie Bush -Southfield High School - Social Studies Teacher (support with planning and implemention of VC)