The following are ideas, exemplars, and resources that I have used, as well as new and innovative ideas I am excited to incorporate in the future!
Digital Storytelling: Students create 3-5 minute videos telling the story of something they have researched. This is engaging for both the students and the audience. It is a great way to build connections in the community, and the students obtain a deeper understanding of their research.
Photography: A picture says a thousand words. Using photography as a means to get students involved in school activities is a great way to enhance your school. In an English class, students can write newspaper stories about pictures they have taken, or find a picture and write about what might be going on during that event.
Twitter: Imagine a class where students are always giving feedback, and asking questions... even after the bell rings! Twitter allows a form of discussion within your class that can be anonymous to other classmates, and can continue outside of class. Even if phones are banned in your school, twitter can be used online via tweetdeck or twitter.com.
Blogging: This brings reflection to the 21st century. Students are able to have their very own online journal where they can comment on things they learned, questions they still have, or brilliant ideas they want to study in the future. Blogs allow for comments from outside parties which allow for deeper discussion and understanding of their posts. Blogging can be augmented by sending a message out to your twitter followers to check out your now blog post and ask for comments.
Motivational Speakers: We brought nearly 100 students to see ME TO WE speakers Louise Kent and Spencer West talk about taking action in todays world. They motivated the audience to be more than leaders of tomorrow, to be leaders of today! This experience was part of our 30 Hour Famine to raise money and awareness for world hunger and the devastation in Haiti after the earthquake. This event was the highlight of the night, even with other events such as a gym full of inflatable equipment, and a DJ’d dance.
Claymation: Have students learn the fine art of claymation. This can be a tedious time consuming process involving thousands of pictures, yet produces some very cool results.
Glogster: Tired of looking at posters full of cut out black and white pictures? Have your students create an online poster using Glogster. These 21st century posters look like something out of Harry Potter with moving pictures (video), and even music!
Socratic Circles: These are a great way to inspire discussion and dialogue within your classroom. A good article can provide thought provoking ideas and encourage creative and critical thinking. Find more information here: Socratic Circles
