Notes via Ning

Today my class started to look more like what I dream it will eventually be by nature. I want be a "guide on the side" rather than a "sage on the stage". Today, I was a "guide on the side" and it was GREAT....mostly for my students! Today, my students took notes (that would normally be presented whole group) from the Ning.

The scenario: I add a blog post to our class Ning that include a link to a flip chart. The students logged on to the class Ning, opened the flip chart on their netbook, and took the outline notes on a cloze like/fill in the blank handout. The beauty of this was that every child worked at their own pace. Some students made connections quickly and finished quickly and were able to move on. Some students needed a little more time to read the notes and make connections. No one had to wait for anyone else. Each child controlled their own learning.

The students were required to reflect on this new note taking experience on the blog. I was very happy to see that those students who finished quickly provide very positive feedback/liked the experience because these are the students who I find get bored, impatient, and discouraged in class when they have to wait for everyone else to catch up to them. However, in general, all student feedback has been positive. Those students who need a little more time to learn new concepts/content seem to appreciate being able to work at their own pace and not being rushed by whole class time limits.

I excited about what tomorrow will bring, and I feel that my students are excited to be a part of this pilot!