The fun begins!

Well we finally had our first day to actually create a post.  There were a few bugs to work out with certain accounts but overall I would call it an amazing success!  The students were asked to address three points on their very first post:

1. Explain the rules for multiplying and dividing integers in their own words.
2. Provide 3 examples of integers in real life and then find 3 corresponding websites that demonstrate those integers being used in a real life situation. 
3. Find informational websites/videos that may help a student who is struggling with integers or perhaps needs more variety in instruction and assessment.

Due to my lengthy explanation at the beginning some students were not able to accomplish all three tasks but next Friday we will continue our first post and some will be ready to move on the next one!  Next Friday it is also my hope that we are able to make sure that the students are all following eachother and myself.  By the end of the month we will have a network of students helping and supporting students.  These students will also be finding and assessing websites and providing the links that they believe could help others with the outcome we are working on.  These Grade 8's are busy!

Dr. Rick Shwier has worked extensively on the concept of online learning communities.  He is interested in the people that join them, contribute to them and continue to engage in them over time.  In our discussion in EC&I 831 we shared the need for trust and open-minds in order to participate in online learning communities.  I also believe that in any community, online or in-person, you have to be willing to give a part of yourself to have people invest in you and what you are saying and doing.  I will do my best to give my audience and students a part of me and I hope they, in return, feel the trust needed to share and engage.  This use of technology means that the students can help create the activities, lessons and examples along with me as opposed to me "dispensing" the information to them.  This truly can be transformative - if the right community develops.