My final product can be found at :
https://sites.google.com/site/anoutdoorreception/
I still need to put the finishing touches on my website, so it will not be able to be viewed by the public until Monday.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Curriculum Connection
Annette Lamb states in our Project One requirements under Curriculum Connection, "You'll be surprised to find that EVERYTHING can be connected in some way." She is exactly right. Now given my particular subject, I would hope that now student K-12 is researching information on planning a wedding reception, but ideas can be taken from that topic and applied to the standards the students are expect to learn. I do remember being in high school and coming up with a plan for a house and decorating it, so I guess anything is possible. :-)
Standard 1 of the AASL Standards: Inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge.
More specifically: 1.3.4 - Contribute to the exchange of ideas within the learning community.
Let's take the idea of blogging for example. A huge part of this project and something that can be applied at many different grade levels.
What better way to exchange ideas than blogging! Currently my 4th grade students participate in the Intermediate Young Hoosier Program. I have been trying to come up with a better way for the students to communicate with me and others to discuss what they are reading. The idea of blogging is something that many of my students would love. The would have access to the computer in their classrooms as well as the media center. I think this is coming from my new found love of blogging. I think it is often times easier for students to discuss ideas with each other when they are not face to face. It seems like they are worried that something they say won't be correct. I would imagine that promoting this new exchange of ideas with up the participation in the program as well.
Standard 2 of the AASL Standards: Draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations, and create new knowledge.
Specifically 2.2.3 - Employ a critical stance in drawing conclusions by demonstrating that the pattern of evidence leads to a decision or conclusion.
At the high school level, students using the inquiry process will need to recognize misleading information. This would be the "Wiggling" stage of the 8Ws. They may not be researching an outdoor wedding reception. However, regardless of what they are researching, they are going to have to do some evaluating. It is imperative that the students learn how to evaluate the sources of information they are using.
The following site lists Hoax websites for teaching students how to evaluate the information they are finding. http://www.shsu.edu/~lis_mah/documents/TCEA/hoaxtable.html This is an activity that can be done while learning the inquiry process. Evaluation is key when doing research.
It is amazing how many standards this project would actually meet. With just a little altering between grade levels, everything connects in some way!
Standard 1 of the AASL Standards: Inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge.
More specifically: 1.3.4 - Contribute to the exchange of ideas within the learning community.
Let's take the idea of blogging for example. A huge part of this project and something that can be applied at many different grade levels.
What better way to exchange ideas than blogging! Currently my 4th grade students participate in the Intermediate Young Hoosier Program. I have been trying to come up with a better way for the students to communicate with me and others to discuss what they are reading. The idea of blogging is something that many of my students would love. The would have access to the computer in their classrooms as well as the media center. I think this is coming from my new found love of blogging. I think it is often times easier for students to discuss ideas with each other when they are not face to face. It seems like they are worried that something they say won't be correct. I would imagine that promoting this new exchange of ideas with up the participation in the program as well.
Standard 2 of the AASL Standards: Draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations, and create new knowledge.
Specifically 2.2.3 - Employ a critical stance in drawing conclusions by demonstrating that the pattern of evidence leads to a decision or conclusion.
At the high school level, students using the inquiry process will need to recognize misleading information. This would be the "Wiggling" stage of the 8Ws. They may not be researching an outdoor wedding reception. However, regardless of what they are researching, they are going to have to do some evaluating. It is imperative that the students learn how to evaluate the sources of information they are using.
The following site lists Hoax websites for teaching students how to evaluate the information they are finding. http://www.shsu.edu/~lis_mah/documents/TCEA/hoaxtable.html This is an activity that can be done while learning the inquiry process. Evaluation is key when doing research.
It is amazing how many standards this project would actually meet. With just a little altering between grade levels, everything connects in some way!
Technology Requirements
I used the following technology-based eleaborations for this inquiry project.
- Concept Map: I used bubbl.us to create graphic organizer to layout my questions, thoughts, and focus topics.
- Web-Based Tool: I used GoogleDocs to create my interview questions and slide presentations.
- Social Bookmark: I used Delicous to sort and tag my online resources.
- Electronic Communication Tool: I used email to communicate with and interview two of my friends that were recently married. I also tried to ask-an-expert, but sadly wedding planners charge.
- Productivity Tool: I created a website using Google Sites to compile my findings.
- Notetaking Tool: I subscribed to and used Diigo as a notetaking tool. I struggled with how to use it and never quite got the hang of it. I am not going to give up though!
Wishing
There is something to be said about the value of reflection! Looking back at a project, event, or experience can help you make informed decisions about similar happenings later. To be honest, in undergrad, I used to get so frustrated when professors would ask me to reflect on a lesson I taught or reflect on this or reflect on that. Now that I am a bit older and wiser...or I hope I am, I realize that I constantly reflect. What could I have done differently with that lesson for it to be more effective? How could I have changed that event to make it more successful? I think reflection is key to the inquiry process.
As far as this project is concerned, overall I feel that my project went fairly well. It was a slow start as I was trying to decide on the topic. Unfortunately, I had another hiccup due to me worrying about my topic choice. Once I got that straightened out in my head, I was able to push forward.
I am a very organized person. I believe that helped me keep the wealth of information I found sorted and layed out in a workable manner. I also believe that it helped that I was excited and passionate about my topic of choice. In one of the first lines in the project description Annette Lamb states, "Your topic should be something that you are truly interested in exploring." (Guide 1: Information Inquiry) This project would have been even more difficult if I had picked a topic I was less than interested in. I am excited about one day planning a wedding and I thought this would be a fun way to get my feet wet.
Sadly, as organized as I am, this doesn't carry over into time management. I am not saying that I didn't spend enough time on the project, but I feel like I could have used some of the time I spent more wisely. As I was working on my final project, I kept thinking that I still left my inquiry subject too broad. I could have taken one of the topics and really got down to the heart of the information. Instead I tried finding a wealth of information on many topics. Now, I am not saying that this is a bad thing and when planning a wedding, I know you have to hit all of the points. I am simply saying that given the time we had for the project, my time would have been better spent focusing on one area. I don't regret my focus areas by any means. It was actually a lot of fun to explore the options I will have when I begin planning.
A challenging part of the project was the fact that there was so much information out there on my topics of interest. A lot of my time was spent sorting through all of that and finding the sources that would work for my 5 areas of interest. As I said, narrowing the topic may have been a good idea. So, if I were to approach this particular topic again, I may have kept my focus to "how to have a successful outdoor reception."
Daniel Callison writes, "The teacher as a model of reflective behavior will serve as a mentor who learns from mistakes as well as successes." (9) I will be the first to admit when I make a mistake. I think this helps students understand that you are human. Describing your mistakes or set backs and also your success will help show your students you are a reflective individual.
This project would be a great example to share with my students. I work in an elementary school K-4, so they may not necessarily be interested in the final product (4th grade girls might...they love that kind of thing). The process would definitely apply. I would share my difficulties with the amount of information available. We are doing some research projects currently and we are starting small with just one source of information. They were able to pick their own topic and also what they wanted to find out about that topic. If the students can't find the information in the source we are using, I will help them find another source. We are working with keyword searches and finding trustworthy sources as well. I would also be sure to share my successes. Help them learn ways to organize their information. All part of the 8Ws! I love it!! Although my students at this point will not be planning a wedding, the experiences I had during my inquiry are very applicable!
As far as this project is concerned, overall I feel that my project went fairly well. It was a slow start as I was trying to decide on the topic. Unfortunately, I had another hiccup due to me worrying about my topic choice. Once I got that straightened out in my head, I was able to push forward.
I am a very organized person. I believe that helped me keep the wealth of information I found sorted and layed out in a workable manner. I also believe that it helped that I was excited and passionate about my topic of choice. In one of the first lines in the project description Annette Lamb states, "Your topic should be something that you are truly interested in exploring." (Guide 1: Information Inquiry) This project would have been even more difficult if I had picked a topic I was less than interested in. I am excited about one day planning a wedding and I thought this would be a fun way to get my feet wet.
Sadly, as organized as I am, this doesn't carry over into time management. I am not saying that I didn't spend enough time on the project, but I feel like I could have used some of the time I spent more wisely. As I was working on my final project, I kept thinking that I still left my inquiry subject too broad. I could have taken one of the topics and really got down to the heart of the information. Instead I tried finding a wealth of information on many topics. Now, I am not saying that this is a bad thing and when planning a wedding, I know you have to hit all of the points. I am simply saying that given the time we had for the project, my time would have been better spent focusing on one area. I don't regret my focus areas by any means. It was actually a lot of fun to explore the options I will have when I begin planning.
A challenging part of the project was the fact that there was so much information out there on my topics of interest. A lot of my time was spent sorting through all of that and finding the sources that would work for my 5 areas of interest. As I said, narrowing the topic may have been a good idea. So, if I were to approach this particular topic again, I may have kept my focus to "how to have a successful outdoor reception."
Daniel Callison writes, "The teacher as a model of reflective behavior will serve as a mentor who learns from mistakes as well as successes." (9) I will be the first to admit when I make a mistake. I think this helps students understand that you are human. Describing your mistakes or set backs and also your success will help show your students you are a reflective individual.
This project would be a great example to share with my students. I work in an elementary school K-4, so they may not necessarily be interested in the final product (4th grade girls might...they love that kind of thing). The process would definitely apply. I would share my difficulties with the amount of information available. We are doing some research projects currently and we are starting small with just one source of information. They were able to pick their own topic and also what they wanted to find out about that topic. If the students can't find the information in the source we are using, I will help them find another source. We are working with keyword searches and finding trustworthy sources as well. I would also be sure to share my successes. Help them learn ways to organize their information. All part of the 8Ws! I love it!! Although my students at this point will not be planning a wedding, the experiences I had during my inquiry are very applicable!
Callison, Daniel and Leslie Preddy. The Blue Book on Information Age Inquiry, Instruction and Literacy. Westport: Libraries Unlimited, 2006. Print.
Waving
The information I gathered for this project was primarily for my personal use. When the time comes, I will share it with Brian (my hopefully soon to be fiance!) and of course my mom and anyone else helping me plan my wedding.
I would, however, hate to think that all of the hardwork that went into sifting and sorting through lots of information wouldn't be able to be seen by others planning a similar wedding. My website will be posted for my classmates to see and open to anyone that can find it while searching on the web.
I would imagine there are people out there just like me that have no idea where to begin when planning an outdoor wedding. My hope is that when I begin to plan, I will be that much more prepared and maybe my website will help others feel that way too!
I left my website open for comments. If someone finds the site and has actually planned an outdoor wedding, I would love to hear from them, get advice, or even another idea. The more ideas...the merrier!
I would, however, hate to think that all of the hardwork that went into sifting and sorting through lots of information wouldn't be able to be seen by others planning a similar wedding. My website will be posted for my classmates to see and open to anyone that can find it while searching on the web.
I would imagine there are people out there just like me that have no idea where to begin when planning an outdoor wedding. My hope is that when I begin to plan, I will be that much more prepared and maybe my website will help others feel that way too!
I left my website open for comments. If someone finds the site and has actually planned an outdoor wedding, I would love to hear from them, get advice, or even another idea. The more ideas...the merrier!
Personal Connection
I suppose I should be completely honest. Before now, I have never really considered what my approach to inquiry was. If I look at the process I went through in the past, it is not unlike what I just experience with this project. I suppose if I needed to find information on a topic I would figure out what tools to use and I would search out the answers. However, now I believe I have a more systematic approach. Previously, I truly believed I went through most of the steps in the 8Ws, but without realizing each of those steps or having a name for them. Barbara Stripling writes, "But inquiry is much more than simply following a process. It is an essence of teaching and learning that places students at the heart of learning by empowering them to follow their sense of wonder into new discoveries and insights about the way the world works." (4) I absolutely agree with that quote! It is so much more than a process. It is a way to truly delve into a topic and discover what you yearn to know about it.
I think at the beginning of this project all of those Ws scared me. It was unchartered territory for me...or so I thought. As the project progressed, it all began making sense. You move step by step, sometimes revisiting past steps in order to make sure you are heading in the right direction. These were all steps I had done before when looking for information. This model has actually helped me fine tune my inquiry skills by giving me steps. I love when things have order, even if you have to go back and revisit. Using 8Ws: Information Literacy kind of reminds me of building legos. I feel like before being introduced to this model and the others, I was building a Lego with no instruction manual. It was a free-build and I never really knew how it was going to turn out. Now that I have a tool or model to follow, I am building a Lego WITH an instruction manual. For me personally, that makes all the difference in the world. I like knowing that I will have a well thought out finished project when all is said and done!
I think at the beginning of this project all of those Ws scared me. It was unchartered territory for me...or so I thought. As the project progressed, it all began making sense. You move step by step, sometimes revisiting past steps in order to make sure you are heading in the right direction. These were all steps I had done before when looking for information. This model has actually helped me fine tune my inquiry skills by giving me steps. I love when things have order, even if you have to go back and revisit. Using 8Ws: Information Literacy kind of reminds me of building legos. I feel like before being introduced to this model and the others, I was building a Lego with no instruction manual. It was a free-build and I never really knew how it was going to turn out. Now that I have a tool or model to follow, I am building a Lego WITH an instruction manual. For me personally, that makes all the difference in the world. I like knowing that I will have a well thought out finished project when all is said and done!
Stripling, Barbara K. and Sandra Hughes-Hassell. Curriculum Connections through the Library. Westport: Libraries Unlimited, 2003. Print.
Wrapping
The information I have gathered about planning certain aspects of an outdoor reception would be most useful for those doing the same. I have decided to put my findings into a website. Although, Annette Lamb provides a plethora of options on the Information Age Inquiry website! Lamb states that during Wrapping you need to, "Synthesize the information you've collected into new words, develop a picture, create a chart, design a timeline, or make a video." All great ideas! It was difficult to make my final choice. The website seemed like the best option for me. I have created a few websites in the past. By using the website, I am not limited on the amount of information I can include. I thought about possibly creating a planning guide on my particular topics using Microsoft Publisher, but the amount of space if very limiting.
The work that I have put into this project and the information and knowledge I have gained will be very important to me in the future. (I think it is safe to say that...we talked about looking for rings...hooray!) We can use this information as a stepping stone when planning our wedding. The nice thing about a website is that we can continue to use it and add information to it. We can use it as a tool of organization when planning. Eventually, I could even share the link with my bridesmaids not living in the area, so they can be involved in what we are planning. It is a great way to share information.
The organization of the website will be basically straightforward. The homepage will describe the information found within the site and the purpose. There will be a link to 5 different pages - Tip/Advice, Menu Options, Dessert Options, Tent/Flooring Options, and Decor Options. Within each page will be ideas...some with pictures. I will also include pros and cons or advice and suggestions that I have gathered from the many resources I have found. I will also include links to my favorite websites within the site. My goal is that the site be easy to use and include useful information to me in the future.
Going back to the plethora of ideas that can be used for the "Wrapping" phase, I think that having so many options is fantastic. Thinking back to when I was a student doing research, we basically did the research and wrote a report. We didn't have options. I love that by using a model like this it give the inquirer the flexiblity to pick an end product that works for them. I can remember listening to the same format of presentation over and over and over again because everyone was doing the same thing. I would imagine if you offered students freedom and flexibility on the project, your presentations would hold more interest to the audience.
Well, time to wrap it up!
Callison, Daniel and Annette Lamb. Information Age Inquiry. IUPUI. Web. 11 February 2011.
The work that I have put into this project and the information and knowledge I have gained will be very important to me in the future. (I think it is safe to say that...we talked about looking for rings...hooray!) We can use this information as a stepping stone when planning our wedding. The nice thing about a website is that we can continue to use it and add information to it. We can use it as a tool of organization when planning. Eventually, I could even share the link with my bridesmaids not living in the area, so they can be involved in what we are planning. It is a great way to share information.
The organization of the website will be basically straightforward. The homepage will describe the information found within the site and the purpose. There will be a link to 5 different pages - Tip/Advice, Menu Options, Dessert Options, Tent/Flooring Options, and Decor Options. Within each page will be ideas...some with pictures. I will also include pros and cons or advice and suggestions that I have gathered from the many resources I have found. I will also include links to my favorite websites within the site. My goal is that the site be easy to use and include useful information to me in the future.
Going back to the plethora of ideas that can be used for the "Wrapping" phase, I think that having so many options is fantastic. Thinking back to when I was a student doing research, we basically did the research and wrote a report. We didn't have options. I love that by using a model like this it give the inquirer the flexiblity to pick an end product that works for them. I can remember listening to the same format of presentation over and over and over again because everyone was doing the same thing. I would imagine if you offered students freedom and flexibility on the project, your presentations would hold more interest to the audience.
Well, time to wrap it up!
Callison, Daniel and Annette Lamb. Information Age Inquiry. IUPUI. Web. 11 February 2011.
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