In addition to Willis and I continuing our media literacy project, we also have made plans for our next project. It is something different than anything we've done in class so far this semester, but it should prove to be a unique and powerful tool in the classroom. Dr. Stearns informed us of a new site called "Inspiration Software." This is such a cool site because it actually allows students and adults as well, to create visual thinking tools for pretty much anyone. Essentially, what Willis and I are planning on doing, is choosing a book that is appropriate for high school english classes. We both decided that Romeo and Juliet was a good choice, as nearly every student will or already has read this classic play. Since the two of us are huge fans of the play, and we have a great deal of knowledege on the topic, we thought that this would be a good choice. The Inspiration Software website gives a great explanation for their reasoning in creating this site. It states:
"At Inspiration Software®, Inc. we are dedicated to developing and providing visual thinking tools that help establish a solid learning foundation for all students. Built on a solid base of educational research, our products support improved performance for all students, helping them achieve standards across the curriculum"
I will give you all the link to this site so that you can take a look at all it has to offer for students, teachers, parents, etc... The possibilites of this new virtual learning tool are endless, as there are several different approaches one can make in attacking a project like the ones listed on the site. By having students create a web-like project after reading a particular novel, and branching out on the many important aspects of that novel, we are allowing them to think critically about the book as well as artistically. The outline that follows the "web" design, allows for students to pick out important parts of the novel and elaborate on them.
Willis and I still have a lot of research to do on this site, as we only had a brief time in class this afternoon to check it out. At the bottom, I will leave the link for any of you whom are interested in taking a look at this.
http://www.inspiration.com/productinfo/index.cfm
3 comments:
Dr. Stearns suggested this idea to me too, do you mind if i work with you again on this project as well? doing inspiration.com.... i was just looking at the site and it looks pretty neat. When are you and Willis going to get together to talk about both projects? I have a few notes on the family guy stuff that i researched a bit off youtube and their website. Let me know if you guys are getting together soon to work on this stuff because I don't have a group yet for block 3.
you can leave a message on my blog or email me at lady_arevi@yahoo.com or my AIM screen name is charsxy7. i've talked to willis a couple times on there.
Charity, the group came together at the beginning of class on Wed. night.
I don't think it's a good idea to work with Lindsay and Willis on this project. We can talk more about that.
I assume your FAMILY GUY group is getting together to complete that project asap. IF I can help, let me know.
Post a Comment