Project+Statement

=Project Statement=


 * //1. Briefly describe your proposed project.//**

A large percentage of the teachers at our perspective schools are not using technology to enhance student learning. In some instances the only technology they utilize is the computers for checking email and in other instances teachers may use SmartBoards but they are the sole users of these devices that are intended for use with students. It is our mission to increase the use of technololgy not only by teachers but also increase student usage.The proposed project involves kids taking a stance on bullying. As bullying as become a |nationwide problem, children need to find ways to take a stance on bullying. During this project students will collaborate with each other and peers to build a bullying toolbox in which they determine how to prevent bullying as well as to spread the word that bullying is not cool. Students will create a wiki, create online posters, and tell digital stories in order to get the message across.


 * //2. How will you improve learner performance by engaging learners in authentic experiences?//**

Learner performance will be improved by having students collaborate and work through real life situations and researching ways that students can |prevent bullying behavior.


 * 3. How will you facilitate learning through constructivist, collaborative learning experiences?**

Students will participate in collaborative heterogeneous groups. They will use rubrics to guide their projects. Instructors will meet with groups and use the rubrics as the guide for conferences.

//4.**How will you create sound instructional materials and learning** **environments** **that are based on solid research and learning theory?**//

Project Based Learning (PBL) is built on constructivist-base teaching practices. By making available to students, authentic learning activities and practices this improves their chances of learning and sustains their attention. Working collaboratively in an online environment allows them to foster twenty-first century skills as they accentuate the importance of communication, problem solving using critical thinking, and technological abilities.

//**5.How will you** **facilitate the use of innovations through the diffusion and integration of new technologies and technological experiences for your learners**//

The chief focus of this project-based learning activity will be effectively utilizing technology and increasing technological experiences for individual students. The students will use many digital tools such as animate me and wiki. The final product will be placed on the school website and |teacher classroom pages.


 * //6. How will you most effectively manage this process?//**

This process will be effectively managed by creating groups of no more than three students due to the grade level this project targets. With the assistance of the facilitator they will create a working wiki in which the instructor will be invited to in order to monitor the progress of the students.


 * //7. What ethical considerations will you make to ensure sound decisions are made?//**

This process will be effectively managed by creating groups of no more than three students due to the grade levels this project targets. With the assistance of the facilitator, they will create a working wiki in which the instructor will be invited to in order to monitor the progress of the students. The teachers will have the opportunity to offer suggestions and intervene if and when misunderstandings occur. Teachers will also be able to observe the development of each group’s project. Students will have to be taught not to copy work and to give credit to the author that created the work. Students will also not be allowed to sign up for services that are not geared to their age group. Many services require that children are 13 years old and above in order to |sign up or to use their services. As the facilitators, we will review all terms of service and ensure that students are compliant. Also, for services that our students are allowed to have their own accounts for, they will not be permitted to use their names or any other identifying characteristics. Students will not be allowed to post any personal information to the internet. The scope of the project will be shared with families and a consent form will be sent home asking for permission to use students' photos in the media presentation along with posting to the internet.

//**8. What processes and resources will you include?**//

The resources available will vary amongst schools. Students will be using websites such as Edmondo, Glogster, Voicethread, and services such as Photostory, MovieMaker, or PowerPoint. The teachers will model how to use the different resources for the students. In addition to digital media, students will use different books that discuss the behaviors of bullies. For the school that is making a wiki, clear instructions as to how to design a wiki, and the details of what must be included in the final project will be given.The teacher will monitor the wiki on a daily basis to ensure that the students clearly understand the assignments.The students will be provided with various multimedia approaches and material that are significant for keeping them engaged.


 * //9. Describe the learning environment and population that will be engaged in your project://**
 * **//Audience//**:This project is designed for lower elementary students in collaboration with adults and parents
 * //**Learner** **characteristics**//: Grades 1-5, Parents and Students; Each group will consist of no more than 3 members
 * **//Anticipated entry-level skills of audience//**: The students will have basic knowledge of Microsoft Word, research, the internet and PowerPoint depending on the school.
 * //**School** **Environment**//: Mobile Lab, Computer Lab, and Classrooms
 * **//Support for project by community, parents, or administrators//**: The adults at the school including the custodians, secretaries, teachers, etc. will solicit questions to assist students in providing pertinent information about bullying. If a school uses parent helpers, they also may be involved in assisting students with their projects.