Other Project Formats: Exchange Projects | Academic Challenges | Problem Solving | Debate & Data | Quiz Bowls
Academic Challenge Definition
Academic challenges involve the teachers creating a set of problems for students and then two or more classes competing to solve the problems during the videoconference. Here are two examples:
Math Marvels
This project is coordinated by Linda McDonald at Katy ISD, TX. She is known in VC circles for her creative VC projects. Here are some Word and PowerPoint files she uses for the project:
Science Seekers
This project, developed by Ken Conn, Lamar ISD, TX, is based on Linda's Math Marvels project. It uses the same format of problems presented to students to solve during the videoconference. Read more about the format in Ken's write up for the Planning Interactive Curriculum Connections class.
Story Elements Challenge
Another challenge format is on story elements. This project is another one created by Linda McDonald at Katy ISD, TX. Here are two of the files.
This project takes the exchange idea one step further by adding some research and investigation of artifacts mailed to the partner school.
Adapting the Format
The academic challenge format can be adapted for any problem solving content. Usually the classes are presented the problem, given 5 minutes to solve it. Then the facilitator leads a discussion in the various methods of solving the problem, giving each participating class a chance to defend their solution and method. Time is given for classes to share a joke related to the content as well. What other ideas can you think of using this format?
Team Teaching
Another option is team teaching a class. Carol Fleck and Kim Perry, two Ohio science teachers, team-teach a Contemporary BioScience: Genetics class daily via videoconference. Visit their class website to see the syllabus, student handbook, and other materials. While you may not want to team teach a full course all year, this idea can be adapted for one or more sessions between two classes. Here are two teaching strategies from these Carol & Kim:
- Stickies. Take a sheet of paper and divide into squares the size of small post it notes. You need enough spaces for each student. Then do a "quiz" with both sites connected on the videoconference. Put the paper on the document camera. Each student is assigned a square. They write their answers on their sticky note & bring it up to place on their assigned square. As the teacher you see all their answers quickly all at once. You could try it with favorite colors, food, movie, etc. just for fun to help the kids get to know each other too.
- Groups. Whenever students worked in groups, they always had the groups made up of students from both locations. During group time, the groups rotated between three methods to communication - VC, phone, and chat room. For long term projects this works great. I've done it with a week long workshop with teachers too. Helps the participants feel more connected with the people at the other site.
Voices of Twin Cities Past is an elementary example of team teaching. This project included seven videoconferences with the two classes learning about Big6 research skills from the Diane Nye, media specialist at E. P. Clarke Elementary, as well as other activities between the classes as they researched local personalities. You can also read this article about the project.
When using this format, plan for interaction between the two classes. Here are some tips:
Students Teaching
Another idea is to have your students teach something to other students. Sometimes connecting across district for presentations from one building to another is effective as well.
Other Project Formats: Exchange Projects | Academic Challenges | Problem Solving | Debate & Data | Quiz Bowls
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