chatting across the usa
DESCRIPTION
Chatting Across the USA is a video conferencing project that connects classrooms around the country.TRANSCRIPT
Chatting Across the USAA Video Conferencing Project by Cherrie MacInnes
How the Journey Began…
• The Minnesota Project with IT Jennifer Skalski from Egan, Minnesota
• A seed was planted…
• Dear Administrators and Third Grade Teachers,
• The 3rd graders at Washington Street School in Brewer, Maine are on a quest to video chat with a third grade classroom from every state in our country. Students from W.S.S. would share interesting facts about Maine and your students would reciprocate with some interesting facts about your state. The conference would be a one time lesson lasting between 20 - 30 minutes. My class will record the date of our video conference on a large map of the United States and keep a journal of facts as well. We will learn a lot about the USA and meet a lot of great 3rd graders along the way!
• All that is needed is a computer with a built in or attached camera and an internet connection. Video chats can include an entire 3rd grade class, a small group or individuals. We want this to be convenient and easy for you!
• If you are interested in helping us to reach our goal, please contact Mrs. MacInnes at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you.
• Thank you, Cherrie MacInnes• Washington Street School• 100 Washington Street• Brewer, Maine 04412• 207-989-8660• Please send this email to anyone you think might be interested in
participating in our project.
• To contact educators, I emailed this letter to every email address I could find on school websites in every state.
Prior to Conferencing
• Students researched the state of Maine, its mammals and birds. As a group, students decided which facts and trivia were most important and interesting to teach.
Recording Information• Students wrote in their
‘Chatting Across the USA’ journals for each conference.
• A large USA map was also used to examine each location and to track states completed.
Sample Journal Entry
Student Reactions from Cape CodThese kids were engaged and interacting...true
learning was taking place!
Weekly Reader
• We were very excited to have a story about our project published in the May 7th issue of Weekly Reader.
It took 1 month of contacting teachers and 3 months of conferencing to video chat
with all 50 states.
Some Favorite Conferences
Mrs. MacInnes Visits NJ Classroom
• Mrs. Anderson’s Students
• PS12 Principal, Mr. Montes
Mrs. Anderson Visits Maine
Cool Waves Saxophone Quartet Concert Series
Other Video Conferencing Opportunities During Our First Year
• In addition to the 50 3rd grade classrooms, we also conferenced with the Governor and First Lady of Maine, the graduating class of education majors at the University of Maine and teachers at a workshop in Bolles, Florida.
•
Video Conferencing Unlimited Opportunities!
• Guest speakers, all of whom shared the importance of working hard in school to achieve your goals and dreams.
• Former First Lady, Barbara Bush was one of our favorites.
• http://mediamaine.org/ChattingAcrossUSA/
Collaboration
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8lUo11Chyc
• Sharing special guest musicians with N.J.
• Reading Lessons with students in Arizona.
• 5 State Collaborative Video: Hawaii, New Jersey, North Dakota, Arizona, Maine
Mission StatementWe, the teachers within the Chatting Across the USA community, are committed to modeling digital citizenship by forming a cooperative learning community among students that will empower them to play an active role in their learning process through unique experiences and opportunities. Our project is driven by the following set of core values:
1. Respect for self2. Respect for diversity in others3. Building strong connections4. Promoting peace as agents of change5. Engendering a healthy sense of self-pride in our students6. Fostering critical thinking7. Stimulating an interest in learning
Extended Benefits
• Professional Support Group
• Friendships
PBS New Jersey
A segment on Digital Citizenshiphttp://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid616303324001?bckey=AQ~~,AAAAj36EGjE~,w53r2XdUtII0XxxdqYeLp1bOxUXrsIg0&bctid=1478839046001
Resources• Make Connections
outside of the USA:• epals.com• (Met students in England and Pen Friends in
Belarus)
• education.skype.com
• http://www.classchats.com/connections/
• https://sites.google.com/site/chattingacrosstheusa/
• http://mediamaine.org/ChattingAcrossUSA/
• https://kindredcommunities.wikispaces.com/