Reflection on 2011 Online Conference

Playing with the 4 C's in an Elementary Classroom
                                       http://k12onlineconference.org/?p=985
     The session is by Paula Naugle and Jan Wells. They are both fourth grade teachers. These two women have been collaborating for two years to teach their students the 4 C's. The 4 C's are creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. However, the two live in separate states and have had to rely on technology to make their collaboration work. One particular tool that is used is skype. They have done interviews, had speakers, sing songs together, and compare data. The two teachers also did a research project that used Google Docs. The two classrooms could have access to the document and add new research. This put a new spin on a research project. They have also collaborated with other schools to have mystery skype calls around the United States. The students have to find where the other classroom is from by asking questions and doing research. They also use Emodo to keep information of skype presentations. Other people can see the information and comment on it. These ladies also have several projects the develop critical thinking by using different mediums and requring research.
    I learned through this session how much collaboration can be beyond the walls of the school and even the limits of the city. I learned so many different ways that communication can occur through skype. I think that I may try to do this in the future. This teaches students good communication skills and critical thinking skills. A great deal of the projects were higher level thinking and would challenge students. I think that when I am a teacher, I will try to connect with another teacher far away and do something like these two ladies did. It is such a neat idea!
     One con of this collaboration is that a school must provide the tools needed to provide such a rich experience. Skype, SMART Boards, and several other products are used by these two teachers. Access to all products is vital for these communication and collaboration opporuntities to be made. There are several pros to incorporating the 4 C's into the classroom. Students learn beyond their classroom and develop many skills. The 4 C's are all skills that are needed for everyday life and students should be learning them at such a young age! I loved these ideas!