Ask An Expert : How to Use Web Tools to Collaborate With Content Specialists

1. Ask An Expert: How to Use Web Tools to Collaborate With Content Specialists Debbie and Michael Shoulders

2. Introduction • “As a child lives today he will live tomorrow.” ~John Dewey • “It takes a whole village to raise a child.” African saying • “Following the sun, we left the old world.” ~Christopher Columbus • “ Schools should be the mirror of a future society.” ~Anonymous • “Try a lot of stuff – keep what works!” ~Anonymous • “What is the most important thing in the world? It is people! It is people! It is people!” ~Maori Proverb

3. Why? • Teachers can’t and don’t know everything. Their goal is to teach students how to learn. “Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” • Social Networking offers ways to connect and share learning. • Extends the walls of the classroom to encompass the entire world. • “Schools should reflect the world we live in today. And we live in a social world.” (Smith)

4. The Overarching Theme

5. Synchronized – discussion at the same time

6. WHY Skype? • Connects students to writing experts • Provides real-world mentors • Valuable to rural areas • Inspires students to write • Affordable

7. Authors offer 2 types of Skype Visits • - No charge - Meet the author (10 - 15 min.) • - In-Depth - Usually a charge

10. Author/Illustrators Toni Buzzeo - $250 Todd Parr - $125 (30 min.)

11. Problems • School districts may block Skype • Bandwidth issues may lag images • Break in connections • No book signings

12. Procedure • Download Skype (involve tech. coordinator) • Contact Author • Test Skype at school • Discuss etiquette with students • Make sure LCD Projector works • Is sound loud enough?

13. During Skype • Have questions written down! • One student might begin with, “Hello, Mr. Shoulders. My name is ___. My question is ___. • Select students you know will speak up. • Students should know *WHO* the author is. I’m sometimes asked, “How do you draw the pictures in your book?”

14. During Skype • Have Student introduce the school/class • Use flip camera to document the event • (later) Locate the author’s actual location

15. Today’s Meet – www.todaysmeet.com

16. Asynchronized: discussion that occurs at different times.

17. eMail: www.epals.com • Your Subtopics Go Here

18. Edmodo – www.edmodo.com

19. Ask an Expert Websites • All Topics: http://emissary.wm.edu/ • Authors: http://www.superkidz.com/authors.html • Collaborative Projects: http://www.wtps.org/wths/imc/professionaldevelopment/Quickpicks/online_collaborative_projects.htm • Math: http://mathforum.org/dr.math/ • Science: http://www.k12science.org/askanexpert.html • Science Fair: http://www.sciencebuddies.org/ • Social Situations: http://www.socialsmartkids.com/main/Ask_an_Expert.php

21. In Conclusion….

22. Final Thoughts • Find authentic ways to integrate content experts into your curriculum. • Allow student needs to guide your curricular needs. • Use social networking to find content experts. • Plan for some type of follow up. It is not enough to listen. Students must use the information in some way that furthers their learning.

25. Credits • Andrade, D. (2012, April 23). The many forms of socializing online. [Web Graphic]. Retrieved from http://visual.ly/many-forms-socializing-online/ • Armstrong, R. (Artist). (2009). Jump start. [Web Graphic]. Retrieved from http://purpleinaction.wordpress.com/ • Smith, F. (2007, April 20). How to use social networking for learning. Edudemic, Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/social-networking-how-to • Unknown. (Photographer). (2011). Book covers, the outsiders. [Web Graphic]. Retrieved from http://www.fanpop.com/spots/the-outsiders/images/17017873/title/book-covers-photo

26. debbieshoulders.commichaelshoulders.com IRA 2012