Ask An Expert: How to Use Web Tools to Collaborate With Content Specialists

Debbie and Michael Shoulders

Introduction• “As a child lives today he will live tomorrow.”

~John Dewey• “It takes a whole village to raise a child.”

African saying• “Following the sun, we left the old world.”

~Christopher Columbus• “ Schools should be the mirror of a future

society.” ~Anonymous• “Try a lot of stuff – keep what works!”

~Anonymous• “What is the most important thing in the

world? It is people! It is people! It is people!” ~Maori Proverb

Why?• Teachers can’t and don’t know everything.

Their goal is to teach students how to learn. “Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.”

• Social Networking offers ways to connect and share learning.

• Extends the walls of the classroom to encompass the entire world.

• “Schools should reflect the world we live in today. And we live in a social world.” (Smith)

The Overarching Theme

Synchronized – discussion at the same time

WHY Skype?Connects students to writing expertsProvides real-world mentorsValuable to rural areasInspires students to writeAffordable

Authors offer 2 types of Skype Visits

• - No charge - Meet the author (10 - 15 min.)

• - In-Depth - Usually a charge

Author/Illustrators

Toni Buzzeo - $250

Todd Parr - $125 (30 min.)

Problems★ School districts may block

Skype★ Bandwidth issues may lag

images★ Break in connections★ No book signings

ProcedureDownload Skype (involve tech. coordinator)Contact AuthorTest Skype at schoolDiscuss etiquette with studentsMake sure LCD Projector worksIs sound loud enough?

During SkypeHave questions written down!One student might begin with, “Hello, Mr. Shoulders. My name is ___. My question is ___.Select students you know will speak up.Students should know *WHO* the author is. I’m sometimes asked, “How do you draw the pictures in your book?”

During Skype

Have Student introduce the school/classUse flip camera to document the event(later) Locate the author’s actual location

Today’s Meet – www.todaysmeet.com

Asynchronized: discussion that occurs at different times.

eMail: www.epals.com

• Your Subtopics Go Here

Edmodo – www.edmodo.com

Ask an Expert Websites• All Topics: http://emissary.wm.edu/• Authors:

http://www.superkidz.com/authors.html• Collaborative Projects:

http://www.wtps.org/wths/imc/professionaldevelopment/Quickpicks/online_collaborative_projects.htm

• Math: http://mathforum.org/dr.math/• Science:

http://www.k12science.org/askanexpert.html• Science Fair: http://www.sciencebuddies.org/• Social Situations:

http://www.socialsmartkids.com/main/Ask_an_Expert.php

In Conclusion….

Final Thoughts• Find authentic ways to integrate content

experts into your curriculum.• Allow student needs to guide your curricular

needs.• Use social networking to find content experts.• Plan for some type of follow up. It is not

enough to listen. Students must use the information in some way that furthers their learning.

Credits• Andrade, D. (2012, April 23). The many forms

of socializing online. [Web Graphic]. Retrieved from http://visual.ly/many-forms-socializing-online/

• Armstrong, R. (Artist). (2009). Jump start. [Web Graphic]. Retrieved from http://purpleinaction.wordpress.com/

• Smith, F. (2007, April 20). How to use social networking for learning. Edudemic, Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/social-networking-how-to

• Unknown. (Photographer). (2011). Book covers, the outsiders. [Web Graphic]. Retrieved from http://www.fanpop.com/spots/the-outsiders/images/17017873/title/book-covers-photo

debbieshoulders.commichaelshoulders.com

IRA 2012