Tech Me 564
Vol 1.8: eWise - Search...Show...Share!
It's Research Time!
This week's newsletter is full of tech tips and integration ideas focusing on conducting research with students. Do you remember writing those dreaded research papers? You know...Write 5+ about blah, blah, blah. While there is nothing wrong with writing those 5+ paragraphs, let's inspire our students to do more. Let's encourage them to Wonder...to Investigate...to Synthesize...to Express and most of all to Evaluate their findings. Let's allow our students to share their information in creative ways that enhance and enrich the learning for all.
What is eWISE?
eWISE is an inquiry model that allows students to take ownership of the process and create meaningful products. As discussed in an inquiry model guide developed by the Capital Region BOCES of NYS, it "is characterized by student-centered exploration, engagement, social interaction, communication, and performance based assessment." This teacher's guide is full of valuable information that will help you use the eWISE model successfully with your students. The guide provides indicators for the student (What should the student do?), teacher tools (What should the teacher do?), and assessment tools (What resources support this section of the eWISE model?) for each part of the research process.
Another helpful item is the collection of eWISE Learning Process Resources compiled by Wake County's ITLMS team.
eWISE in Action
Our 4th grade students are currently using the eWise model to conduct research on a variety of topics such as European countries and Animal adaptations and habitats. Below, I will discuss how we will use this process for their Animal research. How could these examples be used with another topic of interest?
Build the Background - Make it Relevant
Animal research is the perfect topic of interest for our 4th graders. As part of Science, students have learned about the needs, adaptations and habitats of 3 animals: dwarf African frogs, fiddler crabs, and millipedes. In Social Studies, they are studying North Carolina. This quarter in ELA focuses on informational text and conducting research. Merging all of these topics together, our students have been challenged to conduct research to learn more about the adaptations and habitats of NC animals.
eWISE Research Model Intro
Created by Mindy Tomasevich at Mills Park Middle School, this video is a great introduction for your students. Share it to introduce them to the eWISE model.
eWISE Research Model Intro
Wonder - Question it!
"Student-driven learning experiences should be driven by standards-based Essential Questions. These questions should be open-ended to allow for flexible learning paths." - stated by Susan Oxnevad of Cool Tools for 21st Century Learners
- Query an essential question such as How do animal physical and behavioral adaptations allow them to survive in certain environments?
- Brainstorm and collaboratively write a question list using a class Google doc or a wonder wall using Padlet.
- Sort questions into categories such as appearance, diet, survival, 'jaw dropping' facts, etc.
- Evaluate and identify the team’s guiding questions. Of the list, exactly which questions do the students want to research and try to answer?
Investigate - Find It!
Using curated resources, the students investigate and search for answers to their guiding questions.
- Use online databases for research such as NetTrekker (login), NC WiseOwl, Kid Rex, Discovery Education, or Sweet Search.
How Can I Quickly Find What I Need? [Student]
- Keep a record of information using Google docs or Google slides.
- Use graphic organizers to record and organize research notes such as E-chart or other tools.
- Evaluate and reflect on what has been learned. Here is a list of reflection starter cards to prompt students.
Organize Research With Google Slides
Synthesize - Combine It!
Students need to pull all their notes and resources together to begin drafting a product which showcases their research. How can they show they have answered their guiding questions? (All of this can be accomplished using Google slides as showcased in the video above.)
- If in teams, collaboratively summarize collected information. (CMAPP - Social Studies resources & Education World has a vast array of templates and organizers.)
- Use a storyboard for drafting, designing and creating presentation.
- Give credit for information using tools such as KidBib, EasyBib (great for online resources).
- Evaluate and reflect on what has been learned.
Cite Your Paper in Under a Minute - EasyBib.com
Express - Share it!
Presentation
- Use presentation tools such as Google Slides, Educreations, ShowMe, or Paper Slides.
Google Presentations - Creating a Presentation
Educreations Tutorial: Getting Started
How to make a Paper Slide Video
Video
- Create video using iMovie, Animoto, Adobe Voice, Shadow Puppet Edu, or Videolicious.
Animoto Tutorial for Students
Videolicious tutorial
Poster
- Create interactive poster using Smore, GlogsterEdu or Thinglink.
Glogster - Create your first glog
Thinglink
Playscript
- Create animated playscript using ChatterPix Kids, Yakit Kids, Photo Speak, Puppet Pals, or Tellagami.
Chatter Pix Kids
PhotoSpeak Demo
Tellagami Tutorial
Smash it!
- Smash apps together – use multiple tools to create one project e.g. Google Slides and FlipSnack to create online eBook or Camera roll, Tellagami and iMovie to create video.
- Here are more ideas about how to smash apps together to create a new product.
Creating Online Flipbooks with Flipsnack.com
Share with wider audience
- Create resource to store projects such as padlet, webpage, QR codes, or ebooks listed in Destiny (library).
- Share your work with others in your school, across the country, or around the world.
Skype in the Classroom is a great resource. Our 4th graders will be sharing their research with a guest speaker from the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
Student Studio
Our students have created some interesting stories, awesome artwork, and creative projects integrating technology. Please send me examples from your class. I will be showcasing some work created during tech classes, tech club, as well as when I work with you and your students in the classroom. Check out some of these examples.
Nonfiction ABC by Owens' 1st Grade
Grades 3 - 5
Monster stories were written with a partner using Google Docs. Students then used ChatterPix Kids or Yakit to create teasers for their stories.