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Team Projects

Researching and Presenting a Team-Based Project on K-12 Education and Technology

As a team of teachers (3-4 students each), select a classroom issue to research and present to your colleagues.

Your research includes selecting primary sources, interviewing people (in person or via email/phone), writing an MLA-formatted research paper, and creating (and presenting) a multimedia presentation.

Milestones

  • DUE 10/29: One-page proposal (using Word) that includes a description of your topic, questions you expect to answer, potential interview candidates, etc.
  • DUE 11/17: One-paragraph "thesis statement" that defines your topic and your stance on (or approach to) the topic. MLA Works Cited page listing all (at least 8) primary sources, secondary sources, Web sites, (planned) personal interviews, etc. You are required to use this reliable and timely resource: Highlights: the State of the Kid [PDF]. If that link does not work, click here.
  • DUE 12/3: Multimedia presentation using Microsoft PowerPoint. Each team member must take part in the presentation. Total presentation time is typically 15-20 minutes. Presentation Rubric (PDF)
  • DUE 12/14: MLA-formatted paper (6-8 pages) presenting your topic. Go to the Writing Center for assistance (and MLA help).

Research Topic Assignments

  • TEAM RED: Address the question of whether computers will eliminate textbooks in the future. How does technology benefit K-12 education in this case? What other forms of media can be used instead? What are the drawbacks of eliminating textbooks?
  • TEAM HOT PINK: Describe the use of assistive technologies to enhance the learning experience for K-12 students with disabilities and special needs.
  • TEAM BLUE: Investigate cyber-bullying in K-12 schools today. How does the computer and the Web add to the problems of bullying? How can technology alleviate such problems?
  • TEAM PURPLE: Compare the use of Apple computers with Windows-based computers in the K-12 classroom, stating pros and cons to each type of system.
  • TEAM GREEN: Investigate standardized testing at the K-12 level, including college entrance exams. How does technology help/hinder standardized testing? And is the use of standardized testing accurate and effective?
  • TEAM ORANGE: Describe techniques for instructing K-12 students as to how to use the Web to effectively perform Web research (e.g. reliable Web sites, citing sources, primary sources, etc.). Also investigate integrity issues and cheating on the Web (e.g. downloading/purchasing term papers, copyright infringement), and how such problems can be overcome.

Working in Teams

Working in teams can be difficult, but with the dozens of ways to communicate these days (e.g. email, chat, txt, phone), you have every opportunity to collaborate successfully. All of us realize team members are busy with work, school, life, etc., but you have all committed to taking this course and therefore working in teams.

Below are some tips to keep your teams in synch and on track:

  1. Set at least two meeting times per week. Attend every meeting, whether online or in person. A lack of team participation is a lack of commitment and professionalism.
  2. At the beginning of each meeting, define the agenda and what's to be accomplished during the meeting.
  3. Take notes during each meeting (or save the text of your chat sessions). These meeting minutes are invaluable resources for remembering what everyone's responsible for.
  4. At the end of each meeting, summarize what was covered, who's doing what, and when the next meeting is.
  5. Check your email frequently. When sending emails, always CC each and every team member. This keeps all team members in the loop.
  6. Respond to emails and other inquiries from your teammates. Nothing's more frustrating than sending out email and not getting any responses from your team members.
  7. Meet and get organized well in advance of deadlines. Do you fair share of the team work. If you're falling behind, notify your team members immediately (and also notify me if you'd like to request an extension).
Office: Albertus Hall 400-2
Office Hours: Wednesdays 1-2:30pm and by appointment
Email: goldschmidt@gmail.com
Phone: 518-485-3755
(on campus x3755)

Assignments

Exam #2

Nerd Tutoring Schedule

They're computer nerds and they're here to help you!

Tutors are available in the Academic Support Center in Saint Joseph Hall.

Here's the schedule:

  • Mondays: 12-3pm, 5-7pm
  • Tuesdays: 2:15-4:15pm
  • Wednesdays: 12-3pm, 5-8pm
  • Thursdays: 11:30am-1:30pm, 2:15-4:15pm
  • Fridays: 11:30am-1:30pm

Click here for more details.

Writing Center Schedule

Velma and MLA If you need help with your writing skills this semester, please visit the Writing Center, located in the Academic Support Center on the 2nd floor of St. Joseph Hall.

Tutors can assist you with all stages of the writing process, from selecting a paper topic and creating an outline, to documenting your research and working on grammar and punctuation.

Tutors work with students of all majors and academic levels during all stages of the writing process, from brainstorming to documentation; however, tutors are not proofreaders.

Reservations are required. Please call 454-5299 or stop by to reserve a session.

The schedule of available sessions is as follows:

  • Sundays: 2-5pm
  • Mondays: 10am-12pm, 1-6pm
  • Tuesdays: 1-8pm
  • Wednesdays: 10:30am-4pm
  • Thursdays: 10am-8pm