So, I have been grappling with the idea of how to introduce projects to my class. I often try to have students work toward a big project in groups as a way to be more constructivist in my approach to teaching and learning. I want students to take ownership of their learning, and I think project-based learning is a great way to do this.
I've been doing it for years. However, I get so frustrated on project roll-out day when I introduce the project and hand out all of the necessary paperwork (job descriptions, schedule of everything that is due. ever., rubrics for assignments, rotation of responsibilities, etc.) and some kid (our four) invariably leaves all of the papers at his or her desk and are without all of the necessary information for the REST OF THE QUARTER. This unit I have vowed to make a change, and I think I have found the solution in Google Docs.
*Key the choir
*Key the choir
Google Docs allows me to save all of the necessary files in one shareable folder. From this folder I can include rubrics, schedules, group assignments, and the overall objectives for the lesson. Heck, I can include all of those things in one very sophisticated document with hyperlinks and tables. This document can be emailed, saved in a shared google drive folder, or posted to my LMS (learning management system) for those forgetful few to access as the quarter progresses, and I am saving a few trees in the process!