The first full-fledged effort towards electronic learning was launched today in Science class with 8B.
Netbook and laptop computers were distributed to students in class, and full use was also made of Ipod Touches with wireless capability. Students were to research the topic of genetic testing on newborn babies, discuss the content, and prepare a summary of the issue, along with a critical analysis. To do this, they had the option of doing so by using the traditional summary learning card, or making use of Microsoft Word, then emailing their completed assignment to the class email for evaluation.
While there are still minor kinks being identified and problem solved, all students in the class were able to successfully complete the assignment in the time allotted and tender it for evaluation.
Students were also asked to investigate the capabilities of their Ipods in terms of accessing the class website, and the various academic-related documents that are available there. For the most part, this too, was a success, and various means of adopting and adapting that technology to our class situation were uncovered through the process of discovery.
Students will sit down on Friday to write their first electronic test of the year, again with each of them having access to enabling technology on their desktops. The test, dealing with cells as the basic unit of life, will be marked electronically at the time of completion, and the completed and scored test will be submitted electronically to the class email for recording and analysis.
