St George - CGVE - Student wiki and blog
Project focus
This project was designed to engage a group of students who are classed as "youth at risk" undertaking the Certificate General Vocational Education (CVGE). These students often have past negative experiences with education and in many cases have been asked to leave the school education system.The idea was that by using a technology based approach the students may be more attracted to learning and because it was about their favourite subject THEM they would be willing to participate.
Here is a link to the student wiki at: http://wikimiki.wikispaces.com/
Impact of the project
The project was really successful because it succeeded in gaining the attention and interest of the students. As they knew that there was a "fun" component to their class time they were also more willing to engage in the less exciting "chalk and talk" aspects of their studies. Those that were familiar with using wikis or similar technology were able to work with little assistance and provide support to fellow students. This allowed the teacher to provide more individual tuition to those students that were not as familiar with the technology. The end result was that the whole class had exposure to using a technology that would not traditionally be part of their studies but may well prove every useful in their future studies and/or working life.
Educational technology used
- iPod and Belkin
- digital camera
- laptop
- Adobe Audition editing software
Recommendations for users
Learn about the technology yourself so that you can help students as they need it. Also be aware that often they may know more than you and be willing to accept their help.
Plan time to have access to computers as these often need to be booked in advance and can't always be got hold of last minute.
