I started having students blog during 4th term and have decided to have them do it throughout the entire year. Basically the blog will be the their homework. They will update it weekly and get credit for their updates. I don't think I should grade the blog, just give them credit for doing it. If you have read this blog before you know that we did video zeitgeist that highlighted the major happenings worldwide throughout the year. I am going to have on entry per month in which they evaluate the current world and local events and determine which ones should be in their end of year video.
One of the final things I have students do is a final write up in which part of it is to give me feedback. One of the things I ask is what was your favorite activities/lessons/assignments. I have used the Genius Project idea for the past few years and students really like it. This year during fourth term students created a blog and then updated it weekly. Since my class is studying geography I told students they could pick anything 'geography related' for their genius project (which if they realize it, is just about anything). Their homework for the term was a weekly post, updating their findings. In the end they presented their blog and their genius project to the class during the last week of school. It was neat to see such a variety of projects from researching myths and legends from around the world to saving the great barrier reef to a history of Arabic music to the northern lights.
Here are some of their thoughts:
"My favorite assignment was the Genius Project. It let us think outside the box. I had a great time learning about my topic."
"My favorite assignment was the Genius Project. This is because it gave us an opportunity to make decisions on our own on whatever we wanted to do. You gave us total freedom...which is the best kind of homework."
"My favorite assignment was the blog. It was cool to be able to study and figure things out by yourself. Everyone picked something that reflected who they are and through it I got to know each person a little better."
"I really loved the Genius Project. I was able to write about something I was passionate about, and share my experiences with others."
"I really liked getting to pick what I was going to study and learn about. It helped keep me on top of my assignment and I feel I learned more than I would have if I chose from a list of topics."
Based on these thoughts as well as my own here are the changes I am making for the upcoming year:
Have students blog weekly through out the year for homework. Once a month on current events for Zeitgeist. Once a month for genius projects Once on what we have learned in class. With extra research on application and extension of knowledge. The other will be an open topic. 9-10 entries per term.
First week will set it up. They explain purpose of their blog and what they think geography is and what they hope to learn about during the year. They will do a term write up each term on each of topics. First few times will get lab to help them out. Periodically will get lab for same purpose.
I think creating a positive digital footprint is of utmost importance. With that in mind I am going to teach how to tag, comment, use CC pics, embed video, so that when their name is searched they have a lot of positive things to show for it.
This post if more me thinking out loud, but I welcome any suggestions of things that have worked well for you.
Showing posts with label Zeitgeist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Zeitgeist. Show all posts
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Student Projects: Zeitgeist 2013-14 using YouTube Video Editor
Earlier in the year I came up with my genius idea to have students create their own zeitgeist video. You can read more about that here. (Note: If you haven't seen the Google zeitgeist videos that they create every year featuring their most searched stories they are both linked in that post.) I had all sorts of ideas as to how we were going to pull this off, but nothing was really coming together the way I had envisioned it. I wanted them to create something similar to what Google does in both spirit and in quality. Yea I know we are at a severe disadvantage when competing with Google for the 'cool' factor. We finally got to the point where we had to start actually making something. I tried a lot of ideas, none really fit what we needed. Then someone mentioned the YouTube Video Editor. It makes sense that if you are going to try to make a project like Google that you would use their help.
One of my issues with student projects is that they work hard and the only people who see it are their parents, and the teacher. A few rare, great ones are seen by more. Using this allows for a true worldwide audience. The goal is to create their own video that is good enough to put on display for the world.
Here is why we are using the video editor. Students can create and edit their own videos the way they want to; the project becomes an extension of how they see the world. You can upload your own videos, but most students don't have footage of the Winter Olympics or the Ukraine conflict. This is the real genius of the video editor. You can search the creative commons videos, copyright free, and get footage of what you are looking for. You can also add images (my students have become quite versed in creative commons image search), text, music (the editor allows for copyright free music and has an extensive database), and transitions. One of the nice things about using this is students can work on it at home or where ever they may be. They just log into their Google account and then into YouTube. Changes are saved automatically like on docs or blogger. A true worldwide audience. A project they can be proud of and show off and keep. No worries about using images, video, or music that is copyrighted and they could get in trouble for using.
I spent a day in the computer lab working with each student making sure they knew what they were doing. Some figure it out quickly, some needed more help, all realized how using the video editor would allow their voice to come through and make something worthwhile. They are not due for another month but I feel like we now have the right tool for the job.
FYI each week from now to then they have to write up the events they are adding to their video. Explain what the event is and why they are adding it. Events should reflect what has happened globally since the start of school, with a topics from each region we have covered as well as any local events they feel were significant to the community, school, or themselves. One of the nice things about this project is students will include events like the Olympics, but show it from their perspective. Obviously many events will be in every video, but each student will put their own spin on the event. No two videos will be exactly alike. Each one will have its own voice and individuality.
One of my issues with student projects is that they work hard and the only people who see it are their parents, and the teacher. A few rare, great ones are seen by more. Using this allows for a true worldwide audience. The goal is to create their own video that is good enough to put on display for the world.
Here is why we are using the video editor. Students can create and edit their own videos the way they want to; the project becomes an extension of how they see the world. You can upload your own videos, but most students don't have footage of the Winter Olympics or the Ukraine conflict. This is the real genius of the video editor. You can search the creative commons videos, copyright free, and get footage of what you are looking for. You can also add images (my students have become quite versed in creative commons image search), text, music (the editor allows for copyright free music and has an extensive database), and transitions. One of the nice things about using this is students can work on it at home or where ever they may be. They just log into their Google account and then into YouTube. Changes are saved automatically like on docs or blogger. A true worldwide audience. A project they can be proud of and show off and keep. No worries about using images, video, or music that is copyrighted and they could get in trouble for using.
I spent a day in the computer lab working with each student making sure they knew what they were doing. Some figure it out quickly, some needed more help, all realized how using the video editor would allow their voice to come through and make something worthwhile. They are not due for another month but I feel like we now have the right tool for the job.
FYI each week from now to then they have to write up the events they are adding to their video. Explain what the event is and why they are adding it. Events should reflect what has happened globally since the start of school, with a topics from each region we have covered as well as any local events they feel were significant to the community, school, or themselves. One of the nice things about this project is students will include events like the Olympics, but show it from their perspective. Obviously many events will be in every video, but each student will put their own spin on the event. No two videos will be exactly alike. Each one will have its own voice and individuality.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Zeitgeist 2013-14: The essence of geography
Many of you are familiar with the Google Zeitgeist videos. If not, I have added them in at the bottom.
I have taught just about every subject and grade level. I have enjoyed teaching most subjects. For the past six years I have exclusively taught World Geography. For five years previous I taught Geography but it was at-risk and not quite what I am doing now. I love teaching Geography. I find it to be the easiest of all the social studies to teach because it's current, salient, and interesting. Sure history can have its fun moments to teach, but geography is about what is happening now. Plus with technology you can talk and work with other countries, which makes it even cooler.
All that being said I think it is a misunderstood subject. Many students come in thinking it is a math class (geometry) or that all we do is maps. Sure maps are part of it, but there is so much more to it than that. I had been trying to think of a good, fun way of introducing geography. In the past I have shown the Google Zeitgeist video for its geographic content, today I decided to make a slight adjustment and to this and found the best way I have ever introduced geography to my class.
For the record Zeitgeist means "the defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time". I showed the 2011 version then had students brainstorm about what they would include in the 2012 version. They were at a disadvantage not having a device to use and having to rely on their neighbors, but in the end they did a nice job and hit the major events like the London Olympics, the Presidential election, the Red Bull space jump, world wide protests, Hurricane Sandy, among others. It was fun to see how much they got right and then realize how much more they had forgotten or didn't even know about it.
The magical moment came in the wrap up when I announced that these videos were the essence of geography. This class is about life in every part of the world. It is about people and how they live. It is about how we interact with one another and the environment. There are events that earth shattering like a vicious natural disaster. There are movements where people work together to make their lives better and remove corrupt governments through protests and revolutions. There are small moments as well as monumental ones, but all change the face of the earth in some way.
All of this led to the beginning of our new project. Making our own Zeitgeist production for the 2013-14 school year. This of course is in the embryonic stages of development. I think I am going to have students add events every week or two and maybe do mini productions at the end of each term or semester. Regardless how I decide to make this work in the end we will have a wonderful product that showcases all the events and learning from the entire school year.
My genius hour piece would be that students would take a part that interests them, after we have a substantial, comprehensive list, and go into detail on that particular piece.
Funny how one good idea can totally change everything. A week ago I thought I had a handle on how things were going to go this year. Halfway through the first week of school I have an idea that may change the entire year.
I will do my best to keep updates as to how we are progressing and in what direction this takes us. Gotta love the 3 G's: Google, a good idea, and geography.
Here are the videos: 2012
2011
I have taught just about every subject and grade level. I have enjoyed teaching most subjects. For the past six years I have exclusively taught World Geography. For five years previous I taught Geography but it was at-risk and not quite what I am doing now. I love teaching Geography. I find it to be the easiest of all the social studies to teach because it's current, salient, and interesting. Sure history can have its fun moments to teach, but geography is about what is happening now. Plus with technology you can talk and work with other countries, which makes it even cooler.
All that being said I think it is a misunderstood subject. Many students come in thinking it is a math class (geometry) or that all we do is maps. Sure maps are part of it, but there is so much more to it than that. I had been trying to think of a good, fun way of introducing geography. In the past I have shown the Google Zeitgeist video for its geographic content, today I decided to make a slight adjustment and to this and found the best way I have ever introduced geography to my class.
For the record Zeitgeist means "the defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time". I showed the 2011 version then had students brainstorm about what they would include in the 2012 version. They were at a disadvantage not having a device to use and having to rely on their neighbors, but in the end they did a nice job and hit the major events like the London Olympics, the Presidential election, the Red Bull space jump, world wide protests, Hurricane Sandy, among others. It was fun to see how much they got right and then realize how much more they had forgotten or didn't even know about it.
The magical moment came in the wrap up when I announced that these videos were the essence of geography. This class is about life in every part of the world. It is about people and how they live. It is about how we interact with one another and the environment. There are events that earth shattering like a vicious natural disaster. There are movements where people work together to make their lives better and remove corrupt governments through protests and revolutions. There are small moments as well as monumental ones, but all change the face of the earth in some way.
All of this led to the beginning of our new project. Making our own Zeitgeist production for the 2013-14 school year. This of course is in the embryonic stages of development. I think I am going to have students add events every week or two and maybe do mini productions at the end of each term or semester. Regardless how I decide to make this work in the end we will have a wonderful product that showcases all the events and learning from the entire school year.
My genius hour piece would be that students would take a part that interests them, after we have a substantial, comprehensive list, and go into detail on that particular piece.
Funny how one good idea can totally change everything. A week ago I thought I had a handle on how things were going to go this year. Halfway through the first week of school I have an idea that may change the entire year.
I will do my best to keep updates as to how we are progressing and in what direction this takes us. Gotta love the 3 G's: Google, a good idea, and geography.
Here are the videos: 2012
2011
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