The Freedom of Choice

As technology creeps into schools, many students are more aware of its newest functions than teachers are. Multiple intelligence theory upholds much of what most of us already know - we all have strengths and weaknesses in the ways we learn. Knowing this, we should be sure to give students more choice in how they complete and present projects and assignments.
Does a persuasive essay require it to be written? Why not a video, podcast or blog? Science labs could be done on PowerPoint and show more visual detail. The apparatus could be a digitally labeled picture and the procedure could actually be recorded. It would definitely be easier to repeat an experiment using the applications above then it would be if done on paper.
In order to allow more choice, teachers must be clear in the way they will assess the project. It is important that the process is assessed on an ongoing basis as well as the final product. Students need to be aware of the assessment categories - this can be done easily using rubrics (see here for a free rubric building site).
In my opinion, more choice leads to increased student motivation and, in the end, projects that are more meaningful to the student.

The Winds of Change

As I read Tom Branch's article, I found myself wondering if and how I have changed as an educator. I am not that old (37), but I do remember getting color overheads for my chemistry class and being utterly thrilled! Technology advances faster than ever, so how do we keep up?

We can't count on the education system to keep up. The levels of bureaucracy that changes must go through make it next to impossible to make any major changes quickly. We will likely always be behind as far as resources are concerned. Does that mean we should just forget it then? Absolutely not.

We can use what we have to promote higher-order thinking skills and deeper, more meaningful learning. I have tried many technology-based lessons such as webquests, blogs, PowerPoint presentations, etc. Admittedly, some fail desperately but those that are successful are empowering to the students and me.

I don't think that the teaching profession should be completely overhauled and converted to a classroom where all students have a computer and learn independently. Sometimes they need a teacher, whether it is for a demonstration or a better way of explaining things. Good teachers know how to get through to learners. Technology should be used to enhance learning but traditional teaching methods still have their place - as they have for millennia.

Developing our Webpage

The arduous task of developing our site has started. We discussed why we need a website and what to include. We want the site to be a "home base" for students on their I-Search journey to provide guidance and support when needed.



We mapped out the essential of the site.

• a home page briefly describing the contents


• a page to describe what an I-Search is and where it came from


• a blog for students to chart their progress


• resources to aid in their presentation (PowerPoint, podcasting, concept mapping, etc.)


• a rubric that will be used to assess their project


• a reference section

We used some tips from How to Build a Website and selected the freewebs online site to host our page. Next, we have to figure out what to put in each section.

I-Search Research

Our group had to choose a type of assignment that includes web-based component. We discussed whether to choose a webquest, project-based or an I-Search. We decided to go with an I-Search since we felt webquest were too directed and project-based were time consuming in the classroom. The I-Search incorporates some direction but most of the learning is the responsibility of the learner.
I-Search is a type of research activity that involves students choosing a topic of interest and using different information gathering techniques to acquire meaningful data. The key to this type of assignment is for the students to have a keen interest in their topic. This interest serves as motivation to discover and construct new ideas and knowledge.

The I-Search format answers these main questions:

What do I know?

What do I want to know?

How do I collect and analyze information?

What have I learned?

Much more on I-Search here.

Originally this type of assignment was designed to have a paper written as the form of presentation. With today's technology , student can present their findings via podcasts, videos, PowerPoint's, blogs and the like. This freedom caters to individual learning styles.

Will we begin to see more I-Search type projects? With the integration and implementation of technology, we obviously will. However, teachers need training to merge into a new style of teaching, the students, for the most part, are already trained.