Blog buddies discuss work The following post is written by Travis Armstrong, 7th Social Studies Teacher at Dublin Middle School. Travis can be reached on twitter at: @DMSArmstrong
I first heard about Mr. Holman and his digital textbook towards the end of the 2012-13 school year. A mutual friend had told me about this teacher in Cleveland who is having his students create a digital textbook, and I thought I would really like to have my students create something similar. However, I had one major setback, I only have four iPads in my room, courtesy of our new textbook company. With my average class size being nearly 27 students, I then decided to write a grant in an attempt to get eight iPads for my classroom. I started the long process of writing a grant. I decided to reach out to Mr. Holman who was more than willing to offer encouragement and advice. My first grant attempt was partially funded and I was fortunate to receive enough money for two iPads. After receiving those two iPads, I decided to try my luck again for two more through Donorschoose.org. I was able to get enough support from friends and family to raise enough money for two more iPads in less than a weeks time.
I first heard about Mr. Holman and his digital textbook towards the end of the 2012-13 school year. A mutual friend had told me about this teacher in Cleveland who is having his students create a digital textbook, and I thought I would really like to have my students create something similar. However, I had one major setback, I only have four iPads in my room, courtesy of our new textbook company. With my average class size being nearly 27 students, I then decided to write a grant in an attempt to get eight iPads for my classroom. I started the long process of writing a grant. I decided to reach out to Mr. Holman who was more than willing to offer encouragement and advice. My first grant attempt was partially funded and I was fortunate to receive enough money for two iPads. After receiving those two iPads, I decided to try my luck again for two more through Donorschoose.org. I was able to get enough support from friends and family to raise enough money for two more iPads in less than a weeks time.
While attending OETC (Ohio Educational Technology Conference), in January, I finally got the privilege to meet Mr. Holman and Mr. Pennington. It was at this time Mr. Holman and I decided that we would test run having blog pals for the remaining portion of the school year. We knew there were going to be some major obstacles for us to overcome. The first and most challenging was going to be the differences in our schedules. Our classes don’t match up and I have my students for half of the year rather than a full year. Therefore, I will be teaching my students content that his class learned months ago. Even with the obstacles we decided to give a trial run a chance. It was during one of our conversations about this that I remember Mr. Holman saying to me, “all great things have a rocky start”. I knew right then that we were going to make it work no matter what unexpected challenges we might face along the way.
Throughout the blog pal process, our students have viewed one anothers posts either as a front loading tool, teaching tool, and as a peer editing tool.
Throughout the blog pal process, our students have viewed one anothers posts either as a front loading tool, teaching tool, and as a peer editing tool.
There has even been an instance where Garth has taught one of my students how to create a Voki.
I have seen a lot of really positive changes. I have seen my students faces light up when they see another student who they have barely met (via Skype) comment on the creations on their blogs.
I have seen the quality of work from my students go up because they know someone else other than their teacher is going to be viewing their work. I have seen more students step up to work towards their full potential. I am really excited to give this opportunity to my students this year and look forward to getting more students involved next year.
When Mike made his move, I was concerned how I would carry on the work we have started. Mike and I still work together and are making plans for new and exciting things this school year, but I am glad Travis found me on Twitter and was willing to give distance virtual learning a try. I look forward to working with him and his class more this year. Below is a photo gallery of images from out work this year.
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