The idea took shape over Chai Lattes in our local coffee house. My friend Angela was asking me about my EMDT experiences and wishing out loud that her young teens had more technology training at their school... I knew that I'd be auditing Learning Management Systems and Organization with Dr. Reo McBride soon... What if I could design a summer enrichment technology course in Schoology while auditing and then teach it to Angela's children? We both became more excited talking about the possibilities, and what components I might include... the adventure had begun!
Dr. McBride introduced me to Schoology and I found that to be a perfect fit for my course, "Exploring Web 2.0 Tools". My objectives for my students were to explore, experience, create, reflect and respond. I drew on my EMDT experiences in Rena Hanaway's and Kathy Craven's courses to include the creation of a personal learning environment, exploration of Web 2.0 tools, blogging, and digital storytelling as course activities. I enjoyed creating the tutorials and other media assets. My excitement was building as the implementation phase drew closer!
Because this was largely an experiment, I scheduled five "face to face" meetings with the students. Parents were involved in setting up accounts and the unveiling of the the course.
Heather, 14, and Justin, 12, were enthusiastic, and I was amazed by their exploration and creation throughout the month. Their unique personalities were very evident, and confirmed my intent to allow for their individual interests and needs to be met. Their final project digital stories blew me away, evidencing creative and critical thinking, organization, and skills they had gained! They exceeded my hopes!
I asked the students to write a blog post as a culminating activity reflecting on their experience.
"I just completed my technology course for the year. I explored web tools like Prezi and Stencyl. I learned about digital stories. I made a movie with Windows Movie Maker. I had a great time and I loved the course. It is one of those things that I would do again."
"I liked being able to steer the course towards things which I am interested in and good at. This course can take many different directions depending on the projects you decide to do for each assignment. I have learned many things this summer, and I think that was the best part of the course!"
In my own reflection, I consider this adventure a great success and am excited to see what path it takes in the future. I have already had a request to offer the course to a home schooling family during the school year, and will most likely offer a similar one to my "pilot" students next summer. I will definitely cut down the number of "face to face" sessions and rely more on the grading and feedback options that are built into Schoology.
For me, the passion and life changes that began with my EMDT year just continue to grow!
