For our digital team teaching lessons, our classes connect using conferencing software, social media and online sharing. We recently began exploring the topic of sustainability using a lesson entitled Our Environment from the Microsoft Partners in Learning Innovative Teacher Toolkit at http://www.innovativeteachertoolkit.com/lessons.html
As a part of this activating lesson, our Grade 1 class in Hamiota connected with Mrs. Caldwell’s Junior & Senior Kindergarten class in Oak Lake via Skype. Using the screen share feature, we were able to work together. We started with a collaborative brainstorm to assess and activate prior knowledge. During our “digital brainstorming” students suggested things that help and hurt the environment while I recorded their ideas. Next, we watched the provided video and brainstormed additional things that help and hurt the environment. The entire lesson was projected on our interactive whiteboards so all students could engage in the activities.
Here are our ideas from the before and after brainstorms:
