TWT2010_4.+Paperless+Learning+-+Online+Science+Journals

Description:
Mid-year we switched from paper to electronic journals/homework/assessments and would like to share the ease of doing so, along with the many learning benefits for students. Using Google sites, students can organize their work to create a virtual portfolio which is open to a much wider audience than just themselves and their teachers. With electronic science journals, students are able to examine others' data, analysis, conclusions and reflections. There is intra-class interaction, inter-class interaction, as well as the greater public audience of parents, teachers and everyone else in the school community. Wider communication extends the learning experiences of the students, keeps parents in the loop, and allows teachers to throw away those heavy tote bags of student papers!

//Feel free to contact us at ldignon@theschool.columbia.edu and lherszenhorn@theschool.columbia.edu//

** How did this happen? **
Three mounting frustrations converged!
 * 1) Repeating written comments in multiple student journals was excessively time-consuming.
 * 2) Returning papers with feedback and keeping the ongoing revision process alive for that piece was time-consuming and required vigilance.
 * 3) Lugging a bag full of heavy journals/papers was exhausting. The possibility of having all the students' work (notes/tests/reports) accessible from any computer anywhere at any time became a dream that seemed increasingly necessary and therefore possible.

T**he 7th Grade Science Google Site is like the classroom; student journals are like the cubbies. Student journals have a space for class notes, homework assignments, lab reports, exams, and anything else the student needs to file.
 * What does it look like?


 * Since students make the site themselves, it is empowering to them and a relief for teacher.**

** Why is it so great? **
Although we all share a nostalgia for paper journals (they are just so beautiful!), we recognized early on the many advantages of using an online journal system. In this short workshop, we're going to highlight just three, but there are so many more:

*Increased Organization (saves time!)

1. No need to collect or hand out anything.

2. Students and teachers can't lose or forget papers. No time spent searching in folders.

3. Filing is obsolete - everything is automatic

4. Students have sections in their journals that allow them to quickly access the appropriate work.

5. Search tool allows students to quickly find their notes on a subject.

6. Revision history tool allows everyone to see the writing process, and return to prior versions if desired.

*Ease of Editing (saves time!)

1. Teachers can cut/paste common comments precisely and quickly, which lightens the burden of timely/meaningful feedback to students. //this leads to...// 2. Students get meaningful feedback and enjoy unlimited space to flesh out ideas where they belong. //this leads to...// 3. Students become accustomed to revision as an ongoing process and consult each others' work for clarification and fresh ideas.

//and did we say...// 4. No need to carry loads of paperwork and heavy bags!


 * Access Anytime, Anywhere: // the beauty of cloud computing // (saves time and back strain!)

1. Teachers, students and parents have access 24/7 worldwide with Internet.

2. Real-time interaction and updates for everyone.

3. Students learn from each others' journals and absentees keep up.

3. No need for anyone to carry along needed papers!

Other fantastic advantages:

 * Transparency
 * 1) Revision history shows all the changes that have ever been made to the site - know how and when students edited their journal
 * 2) students can always know what assignments are due or what work was completed even when they are absent or confused


 * Increased communication -
 * 1) Dialogue between students and teachers is quick, easy and ongoing.
 * 2) Student focus, do now, directions, charts, readings etc. are all immediately available--no need to write on the board, photocopy and hand out papers.
 * 3) Students get ideas and support from each other by viewing others' journals.
 * 4) Parents stay in the loop in real time.


 * Differentiation
 * 1) Students with fine motor skill problems with trouble writing are better able to express ideas - huge transformation in ability to communicate.
 * 2) Ease of using different templates, readings, activities - (same topic, different approach/level) allows students to choose based on comfort level.