Skype

Hello Families,

We had our first Skype call with a class from North Carolina this morning. It was very interesting - we were able to see each other, ask questions and discuss some of the similarities and differences between our schools and our locations. We also spoke with a school from Alabama and 2 teachers from Vancouver Island. There were things I would change about the way it all happened, but in general it was a good first experience.

Some of you have written me to ask about Skype. It works like a phone, but with the optionof having video as well, like th TV phones we imagined when we were little. It is an application that allows us to have video, audio and text communication, as well as send and receive files. It is free when you call computer to computer, but costs money if you call computer to a phone.

It has a great deal of potential, not only for personal but for school uses. Students who are absent could still participate using Skype from home, as could students away on vacation. I know of teachers who have used Skype for university courses, making it unnecessary to travel long distances or leave home in bad weather. It allows us to connect with people over any distance for any number of purposes, for free.

You can find more information at his site:
www.skype.com

If you join, let me know and I can add you to my contacts.

Best,
Kathy Napier

Comic Life +Ricky

This has been a big week in our class, as students have been completing their mini-project using the application Comic Life. The travel brochures they have made are very attractive - check back to see samples!

We worked on this project as a way to develop understanding of the research process. Copies of our research process time-line can be found in the front of the social sciences duotang. You can help your child by asking them to explain the process and why we need to proceed in a certain way.

As well, we finally have our Voicethread finished - it was hard to find time and help to get the audio recording done. I have tried to embed it in our blog, but could only get it to appear in the homework blog. Click on the homework image on the right, then hit the "play' arrow to have a look!

Enjoy the weekend,
Kathy Napier

Right back at work!

So, the first week back after the break was punctuated by snow, the hope of snow days, and many, many absences that kept us from getting on with a new project.

Hopefully your child has spoken to you about their mini vacation project. In teams, they have to put together a weekend getaway for a family of four in a city given to them at random. The project will be complied using the application Comic Life, and will have to include:

-the cost of airfare from Montreal
-the cost of a hotel for Friday and Saturday
-activities for Friday, Saturday and Sunday (including entrance fees, if applicable)
-total cost (food and souvenirs not included)

The presentation page must include:
-2 maps (country and city map)
-photos (with photo credit)of the activities or locations listed
-text
-details of the getaway

The students are very motivated, and are just beginning to identify what information they need and where they think they may find it. You can help at this stage by helping them pose relevant research questions and narrow down possible topics to be explored.

It should be fun to see what they find and what they choose, and we will look for a way to post their final products.

All my best,
Kathy Napier