WPP Presentation

    I created my WPP presentation for an audience of elementary teachers in a district.  This presentation focuses on the pedagogy of collaborative learning through the technology of web 2.0 tools in a variety of content areas.
      Providing 21st Century learning to our classroom is essential for our students. One of the elements that is so crucial to that learning is collaboration.  Even though we know the idea of collaboration is crucial for connections and achievements, many teachers today are not incorporating this into their classroom.  According to a poll taken by Edutopia, only 14% of the teachers said that their students are ready for the "Collaboration Age".
    I plan to address this issue by providing professional development to our  elementary staff about the importance of collaborative learning through the use of technology into the classroom. All of our classrooms have already been equipped with tools such as computers and projectors. Incorporating this idea does not require any basic costs or start up fees. However, one simply cannot be asked to do something "just because". The idea of 21st Century learning must be introduced.  I plan to "pull" them into the idea of 21st century collaboration by showing them the "why" of collaborative learning- through research and resources, and the "how" through curriculum examples. 
         The pedagogy of collaboration empowers students and gives them ownership towards their learning.  Students have the opportunity to share ideas, use a variety of informational sources, and create a display of the knowledge they have learned.  Combining the pedagogy of collaborative learning with content using technology of web 2.0 tools provides the opportunity for students to engage in 21st century learning.
      Using the technology of web 2.0 tools such as blogs, wikis, and Skype  provides the opportunity for other students to connect with the material at home and at school.  This teaching opportunity provides direction and choice from the teacher  that can be accessed by student, teacher, and parent.  Using this technology also provides opportunities for diverse learners. A teacher can provide choice to the student to best meet their needs, whether it be visual, audio, or simply a written blog post.  Using these web 2.0 tools also allows the possibility of extended learning based on passion and motivation. Collaborative learning is connected and meaningful.    Students are already using technology for social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter, Webkinz, etc.   
      The use of technology allows the content to come alive!  One of the curriculum standards in our class was to cover the geography of the United States.  Our class turned this standard into a game with other classrooms throughout the United States.  We played the game called "Mystery Skype"where we would skype with other classrooms and give them 10 "clues" about our location. The other classroom would reciprocate.  When we completed our clues, we would guess the state! My class had the opportunity to learn about Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Illinois, Indiana, and many other states from actual students  that live in that state.   Students would use a variety of maps to solve the clues!  It was such a powerful collaborative learning tool! This is only one example of how technology makes the use of collaborative learning more meaningful and connected to students.   This brings content and technology together to reach a common goal.
       Once I have pulled them into the benefits of collaboration, I would share a Livebinder full of resources and tools that would allow for collaborative learning.  I understand that it takes time to feel comfortable with the tools. Therefore, my long term goal would be to provide staff development once a month after school focusing on a particular technology tool that would provide the benefits of collaboration.   We need to see collaboration as an interconnected tool that is essential for the future.    The indicator of success can be provided in the first few minutes of a bi- monthly staff meeting where staff shares their success in the classroom.  Sharing the benefits with others is such a powerful motivator!  The more we share, the more we are successful as to the integration of collaboration in our classrooms!
Livebinder on Web 2.0 tools
Collaborative Learning Resources