I have a group of kids that I’ve been working with on our morning news show, called Cougar KidKast.
Well, we’ve almost finished all of our episodes, as we’ve been working ahead of time. Now, I’m leaving it up to them (and you) to help me figure out what to teach them.
I asked them today what they wanted to learn about, and here is a short list. I’d love it if you would help me figure out what exactly they need to know. Bear in mind these are sixth graders, but they’re pretty tech savvy.
They want to learn how to:
- Make a web site.
- Take a computer apart and know what the parts and pieces are in it that make it work. (I’ve got this covered).
- Internet Privacy. They want to know what to post and what not to post.
- They want to learn how to search using Google and get better results.
- They want to learn green screen techniques.
- They want to learn how to use their cell phones for more than just calling/texting.
- They want to learn how to create animations, and perhaps stop motion being a part of that.
- They want to make a movie.
- They want to learn about online video sharing sites other than YouTube.
So there is the list.
Perhaps you fancy yourself an expert in one of these areas? Maybe you want to come teach my class for me? We have pretty good access to Skype, want to guest speak? Let me know in the comments.
Thanks for the help..
Chris
Mihaela (Dr. V) says:
I vote for #4 and #3, because these are lifelong skills applicable in any context. I’d also teach them how to manage their online presence wisely – but they might be a bit too young for that.
17th November 2009 at 12:39 pm
Chris says:
Thanks Dr. V.
Any resources you’d recommend in the teaching of those?
17th November 2009 at 12:41 pm
Jack says:
I saw your request on my Twitter PLN. Looks like a great bunch of students to work with. I agree with Dr. V above that #’s 3 & 4 are important skills. #1 could be accomplished using Google Sites. #9 – the broadcast dept. at my school has started placing their creations on SchoolTube. YouTube is blocked at most schools but SchoolTube may not be. It enables the rest of the student body to see their creations.
17th November 2009 at 3:53 pm
Dean Shareski says:
Hey Chris,
I could Skype in for any number of those topics. The video topics in particular are ones I could help you with. Let me know if that works or if you need any help.
17th November 2009 at 5:51 pm
Lucy Ganfield says:
The mission of the nationally recognized SWAT concept is to promote student leadership training, address technology competencies, provide outreach to the community through parent involvement, corporate support, and student community service, and to encourage collaboration among student SWAT Teams nationally.
SWAT is now part of the START program, a partnership between Microsoft and Corporation for National and Community Service to promote Service Learning and Technology. Two of my SWAT programs just received significant funding. Send me an email and I will send you info on those two schools and what they are doing to teach some great skills.
A SWAT Team is directed by a motivated teacher and is comprised of any number of students who wish to form a structured group to advance the technology program at their school. The students advance their level of technical skills while also assisting other students, teachers and the community with computer skills. Students are required to fill out a job application and interview to be on the SWAT Team. National and State Technology Competencies are addressed as the foundation of the SWAT Team’s Mission. The SWAT Team may consist of specialized “Task Force Teams” formed to address the job force objectives and the technology goals at any school.
Some suggested SWAT Task Force Teams are:
Web Site Masters
Teacher Internet Researchers
Computer Buddies
Media Crew
Mobile Unit/Community Service
Central Unit/Computer Maintenance
Please visit my website to learn more and I can help you set up a SWAT program at your school, http://www.swatweb.net
Lucy Miller-Ganfield
President,
17th November 2009 at 12:52 pm