Laptops for 21st Century Learning
   
 
 
Project Based Learning
Students working in a group.		  

Academic research is increasingly supporting project based learning.  Students are actively involved in learning as they  particpate in standards-focused projects which are enhanced with technology.

PBL Research Summary: Studies Validate Project-Based Learning

   This website offers a wealth of information ranging from research to examples of project based learning.

“To Be Baked or Not Baked, That is the Question”

Ms. Jackson’s science students worked in groups to plant, care for and record the growth of their vegetables which were planted in different types of soils (baked and nonbaked) to test which medium grows the vegetables the best. The students learned the difference between independent and dependent variables. The students developed record keeping skills to help in communicating their findings to others. The students used Excel to develop their graphs and created PowerPoint presentations to communicate their results. They also wrote a 5-10 page analysis and summary of their experiment. See Are Microorganisms Essential to Radish Growth and Raging Radishes

 
Technology Integration
Student image

Students will develop the technology, literacy skills and productivity skills to ensure that they achieve technology literacy by the end of the  8th grade.

National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) for Students

    The National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) developed by ISTE (Insternational Society for Technlogy in Education) provides teachers, students and parents a guide to the information, communication and technology knowledge and expertise needed in a 21st Century world. 

Cyber Survival and Safety: Digital Citizenship and Literacy


The students in Ms. Sedillo’s Language Arts class used the internet and print resources to research digital citizenship and internet safety. Using this information, students wrote comic book style narratives in which the plot educates their peers on Internet and other digital communication technology safety. One of the comic book narratives was about Cyberbullying. The Essential Questions that the students used to guide their inquiry were: Which are the most essential survival skills a middle school student needs in order to practice safe and responsible use of the Internet and other digital communication technologies? In what situations, could students apply and practice the Internet and digital communication technology safety skills?
 
 
21st Century Learning
Student Photo		   Laptops for 21st Century Learning will focus on technology enhanced project-based learning activities as students acquire the digital literacy skills that are vital to success in the 21st century. Students will learn content knowledge, develop information and communication technology literacy and cultivate workplace competencies such as teamwork, communication, planning and problem solving.

Building 21st Century Skills

    This website provides a comprehensive overview of 21st century skills-related information, resources and community tools.

Social Studies Projects Focus on Digital Citizenship

As Ms. DeMilley’s class studied the Bill of Rights, they collaborated on a project to create a  Digital Bill of Rights for Woodham Middle School students. The students increased their awareness of the multiple media that makes up their high-tech world. They became more  knowledgeable about digital citizenship etiquette.  They applied their understanding of appropriate and responsible behavior with regard to technology use as they created their Digital Bill of Rights.  Students shared their Bill of Rights (see example) with WMS pupils and posted them on campus. It was also added to the WMS Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.