Creating Collaborative Learning Environments

1. Creating Collaborative Learning Environments • Brian Kayser • Special Education Teacher at Walton Middle School in • Charlottesville, VA • bkayser@k12albemarle.org

2. The Physical Space • As a special education teacher, I have mostly taught collaborative classes, which meant I was always the guest in another teacher’s classroom. • When I was given space this year, I wanted to redesign it so the kids could feel as though they had their own space.

3. Steps I took... • There were three teacher desks in the space over the summer. I got rid of all three. • Got rid of all desks and replaced them with round tables. They’ve been much easier for the students to use for collaboration. • Took down all posters on wall. The only things that go on the wall are student-created work and materials and our map to show where we’ve connected this year.

4. Steps I took... • Added comfort furniture to the class. There are beanbags, pillows, empty five gallon buckets, and a couch. • Most students sit in different places each day. This simple decision means they enter the class already thinking. • Students can sit where they want as long as they are on task.

5. What it looks like... • To view panorama, please visit: http://360.io/KJgU4p

6. Student Blogging • Each student has their own EduBlog.org blog (total cost for 50 students is $40) • Students choose their theme and color layout • Students learn to post only the work they are truly proud of • All student blogs are posted on the language arts website for easy access • Students are given time to comment on each other’s blogs

7. Some examples

8. One more example

9. Global Fiction Readings

10. Global Fiction Readings • Students write, edit, and rewrite • When students have a final draft, they practice reading with a partner • Students then read their writing to their classmates on a scheduled day • The reading is also broadcast through Ustream, a video streaming service (free), to family and other classes that can tune in

11. Global Fiction Reading Cont. • Students receive immediate feedback from their classmates and teachers • Through Twitter and Ustream, students also receive feedback

12. Some Feedback... Thanks, Rebecca, Tyler, et al. Now I know from whence many of you come, your backgrounds and bios. I enjoyed hearing y'all read. Not only was it interesting to hear your views about important topics such as bullying, but I enjoyed the fiction and poems, too. Flying dogs, magic bears, ghosts, and dragons (lots of them)? Thieves dressed in flags? Foods flavored with rosemary? And there was a lot more, too. Some of these things reminded me of what I think is called "magical reality." The writing I heard was very impressive. There were many excellent sentences; the clear sentences made it easy for me to understand the ideas you were presenting. I also heard many writers using sophisticated and strong vocabulary.; colorful words helped to paint a picture for me about what was happening in a parking lot, and action verbs helped to describe the movements of characters. Congratulations. JohnL

13. More Uses for Ustream... • I’ve also used Ustream to broadcast our band concerts, talent show, and graduation. • By sharing the Ustream link with families and other classrooms, it gives our kids a wider, authentic audience. • Link: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/walton-wildcats

14. More feedback from our Ustream events...

15. More feedback from our Ustream events...

16. Google Docs • Google Docs allows for collaboration during the writing process. • Students can view each other’s work from their own computer and leave comments and ideas for each other. • Students can collaborate on one document at the same time from different computers, or from one and they all automatically have the updated document as long as it is shared with them.

17. Pen Pals • Students have pen pals from Ireland and Australia. • They have the opportunity to describe Charlottesville to their pen pals and to learn about other cultures. • Students share letters through email and Google Docs

18. Skyping • My students have Skyped with other middle school classes to share work and listen to others’ work. • We’ve Skyped with our pen pals in Ireland. • We’ve Skyped with elementary classes to listen to their work and teach them new material. • We’ve Skyped with a 9/11 survivor. • We’ve Skyped with a variety of classes for Dot Day, Digital Learning Day, and Read Across America Day.

19. Contact • Brian Kayser • Email: bkayser@k12albemarle.org • Twitter: @bkayser11 • Blog: bkayser11.wordpress.com