Jigsaw: Pros and Cons

1. The Jigsaw Method is a method that seems almost tailored fit to using limited computers. With only five computers, we could split the class into groups of five students. Each student would be assigned a specific topic for the group. Once the group met together initially to establish which student was researching each topic, the groups would split up into new "expert" groups--this time with each student, from the other groups, who is covering the same topic. This way, each topic group could be stationed at a different computer. As the topic groups did research, each student would be given the opportunity to sit at the computer, directing the research and organization of their report. When all the topic groups finished their research, they would split back in to their original groups and all the students would report on their topic, which they would now be relative "experts" on.

2. This style of learning could be advantageous because it allows students to get involved in group learning, which is very common in professional environments. It also allows students to teach the material, which can help them learn the material very thoroughly. It also creates an opportunity for students to collaborate on the material instead of working alone--a skill that is also useful to learn for professional working environments.

3. One major disadvantage I saw in the Jigsaw method was the assignment of leaders. It was advised that teachers pick the "most mature" student to be the leader of the group, but this just seems like it would promote the growth of that individual who most likely is already stronger in leadership skills than other students, and prevent the other students from being able to grow in leadership roles. It appears to be subtly promoting a gap that may develop between students who are considered smarter and those who are not. Instead of this tactic, I would venture the idea of rotating group leaders from week to week. This would help all students gain from that role, while not excluding any from the chance.

Google for Educators

It looks like there are some pretty promising tools to use through Google. There are a few that jumped out at me as ones I could use for teaching history:

1. The first tool I like is the Book Search function. Using this my students would be able to search for books to use in research that will pertain directly to a topic they are looking for. They can even see some (or all) of the book online in order to see if it would be a good source, easy to read, or usable. Also, they they can find where they can buy the book in case they need (or want) to for any reason.

2. The second feature of Google for Educators that seems really fun to me is the Blogger. I really like the idea of students each taking a day of the year, and looking for some big event that happened on that day in history. Then, when that day roles around they can post a blog about their research. They could post text, pictures, movies, or even film their own reenactments of the events. There are just so many great options that could promote learning in a different way. This way all the students would have a hand in educating each other, and we would be able to learn about many events that maybe wouldn't be discussed otherwise.

3. Google Groups also seems like a promising tool. Through using it, my students could organize groups more efficiently, stay in contact with each other easier, and share data with each other more easily. All around it seems like a promising tool to use.

As for using Google Docs, even though you can't do as much stuff on it as you can on Word, it is still easier for multiple users to share the file. If a group is working on a paper together, it is so much easier to promote a collaborative effort over distance using Google Docs than it is using Word.

Historical Video Games