MX: Class Crossover

Class Crossover
Students in this class crossover education model have school split into the in-class work and then after-school work. After school is where the online community aspect comes into play. Instead of homework, students would use something similar to a message board to connect the topics they discussed in class. They would participate in both synchronous and asynchronous sharing with other students(of all grades, but within their school) to connect the subjects. This way there is added insight, perspective and analytical thinking. Newly learned information can be called up in-class for more discussion. This subject-sharing would also give teachers a way to see where there might be some weak links in the curriculum.

PHYSICAL BOUNDRIES
In one school, and at each students home

WHAT’S AND WHO’S INVOLVED
Middle/Junior high students
Teachers

EQUIPMENT INVOLVED
home computers
internet
(perhaps) video sharing/camera function
(perhaps) scanner (for sharing notes and documents)
printed media and textbooks
digital-format textbooks?
***LOOK UP DIGITAL TEXTBOOKS IN SCHOOL***

DEMOGRAPHICS
11-14
able to afford OR check out computer/laptop (or tablet?)
all genders and races

WANTS AND NEEDS (INDIVIDUAL AND COMMUNITY)
individual:
want to be social
willing to discuss
self-motivation
open-minded
critical thoughts
community:
draw connections
desire for in-context subjects
need for relatability
need to make links
long-term retention

SYMBOLS
message board icons/conventions:
speech bubbles
plus signs
avatars
online identity
profile
memes
media references
signatures
group/guilds
polls
instant feed?
links (IMG, URL, VIDEO)
clubs
badges?

MOTIVATIONS FOR PARTICIPATING
part of grade
better retention of knowledge
confidence/empowerment through sharing
ability to discuss, rather than introverted learning
casual setting, comfortable
practical, well-rounded education
keeps kids connected, even outside of school (NO isolation!)


Now, here are some REALLY REALLY great links from which there is SO MUCH information, it makes more sense to add the whole page than copy and paste it into the blog post.
Benefits of Using Discussion Boards in Classes
Extending the Classroom into Cyber Space
Message Board FAQ's (This one is about someone's MB, but it seems like some nice guidelines to go by. Will come in handy when designing our classroom community tool)
How to Use a Computer for Homework (talks about rules a parent should consider when their child uses the computer, and so we should be aware of this all too)
Integrating Curriculum
Combining Math and Music (a good example of the crossover that happens, and proof that it is successful)
Kindle vs. Nook vs. iPad (Weighing the benefits of different tablets, in relation to e-books)