Mystery Quest:

From our school to yours! Grades 7, 8, and 9 Deaf and hearing students learn about videoconferencing by preparing for ‘Mystery Quest Middle School World Geography Videoconference Project’

 

Project time frame

11 class periods of approximately 40 minutes each will be required prior to registration in the ‘Mystery Quest Middle School World Geography Videoconference Project’

 

How to sign up

The initial project will be with 2 previously identified classes. Other classes within Edmonton, and then within Alberta, will be identified through personal contacts.

On line Registration for previous Mystery Quest Middle School World Geography Videoconference Project is October 1.

 

IP or ISDN?

Connection: IP/H.323; because of firewall issues Edmonton Public schools connect most easily when we connect to the outside site. Having external sites connect us can be accommodated, but may need to be done through a bridge especially if they are ISDN sites.

 

Learner Outcomes

Connections are provided to the Alberta Social Studies and Language Arts curriculum, grades 7, 8, and 9.

• Social Studies and Information and Communication Technology (ICT):

(ICT curriculum is infused throughout the social studies program of studies.)

Grades 7:

o 7.S.1 develop skills of critical thinking and creative thinking

o 7.S.3 develop skills of geographic thinking

o 7.S.4 demonstrate skills of decision making and problem solving

o 7.S.5 demonstrate skills of cooperation, conflict resolution and consensus building

o 7.S.6 develop age-appropriate behaviour for social involvement as responsible citizens contributing to their community

o 7.S.7 apply the research process

o 7.S.8 demonstrate skills of oral, written and visual literacy

Grade 8:

o TOPIC A Geography of Canada and the United States

Grade 9:

o TOPIC A Economic Growth: U.S.A.

Grade 8 and 9:

o Process skills, communication skills, participation skills and attitude objectives

 

• Language Arts:

Grades 7, 8, 9 general outcomes:

o General Outcome 1: Students will listen, speak, read, write, view and represent to explore thoughts, ideas, feelings and experiences.

o General Outcome 2: Students will listen, speak, read, write, view and represent to comprehend and respond personally and critically to oral, print and other media texts.

o General Outcome 3: Students will listen, speak, read, write, view and represent to manage ideas and information.

o General Outcome 4: Students will listen, speak, read, write, view and represent to enhance the clarity and artistry of communication.

o General Outcome 5: Students will listen, speak, read, write, view and represent to respect, support and collaborate with others.

 

 

Methods and Activities

The culminating event for this project will be participation in the 2008 Mystery Quest Middle School World Geography Videoconference Project focusing on Canada and the United States; see http://www.remc11.k12.mi.us/dl/MysteryQuest/

 

 

Class One:Combined grades 7, 8, 9 class of 22 students. All students have a diagnosed communication delay or disorder and are hearing. Literacy levels tend to be delayed by approximately 2-3 years.

Class Two:Combined grades 7, 8, 9 class of 13 students. All students and the teacher are Deaf. Literacy levels tend to be delayed by approximately 3-4 years.

Because the students and staff involved are vc beginners, and all the students involved have language learning delays, this project will be completed in five stages. These students’ learning needs necessitate careful pacing with increased time for language processing and practice.

 

o Stage 1: Play time!

2 periods

Students will begin by learning about the equipment within their own class groups, including practice with the remote control and development of ‘on camera’ awareness. Teacher will lead discussions of experience debrief, on camera behaviours, vc etiquette, etc.

o Stage 2: VC between 2 target classes

3 periods

Using a simplified Mystery Quest format, students will select a location within the building as their mystery location. Each group will prepare a 5 minute (approximate) presentation of clues. Preparation guidelines from http://www.remc11.k12.mi.us/dl/MysteryQuest/ should be followed.

o Stage 3: VC with sites within Edmonton Public Schools.

3 periods

Deaf students will invite an American Sign Language class from another school to ‘vc’; hearing school invitation school to be determined. The topic of this vc will be determined in consultation with the teachers and students.

o Stage 4: Students as experts

3 periods

Opportunities for students to support younger students in the school learning how to vc.

o Stage 5: September 2008

Teachers should now be prepared to start working on the 2008 Mystery Quest Middle School World Geography Videoconference Project.

 

 

Videoconference Details.

Specific details, preparation materials, handouts, and an agenda will be based on those used for the Mystery Quest Middle School World Geography Videoconference Project' at http://www.remc11.k12.mi.us/dl/MysteryQuest/

 

This project was created as an assignment in Planning Interactive Curriculum Connections , an online class offered by the Berrien County ISD and taught by Janine Lim. My thanks to SouthwestNet Distance Learning and their development of Mystery Quest Middle School World Geography Videoconference Project and to Janine Lim.

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