Preparing to test out Web 2.0 tools to increase collaborative learning in class

Following several discussions with colleagues and other teachers out in my online-network , my plan is taking on a structure of sorts.


Ultimately, the MYP learning objectives need to be met (Criteria D & E, for those in the know). And the students are not at all familiar with the process of blogging/tweeting/website management etc.

SO...... at the minute my plan is as follows:

The plan for 9b is:  (Less collaboration using web2.0 tools)

Students carry out the entire investigation using 'Gizmo'. They can carry this out in groups, partly because not all will have a computer equipped for the task.

They will then create a Glogster page for each criterion (D&E). One page may be alternatively, presented as a word document. They will then post the pages on a shared google-spreadsheet so that it is accessible to all. Students will then share their work.


The plan for 9c is : (More collaboration using Web 2.0 tools)

They present each stage of their investigation plan, results and evaluation in structured stages on an Edublog. I will lead the structure by posting the stage of the process we are working on. The collaboration will come in through the process of posting comments. Furthermore, I shall enter separate postings to encourage reflection and evaluation.
They will have limited admin rights and so their comments will always run by me. They need to write a minimum of one PUBLISHED comment a week. It will only be published if it is succinct and either a product or reflection. So no "I agree" or "yeah" allowed.
Very constructive advice found on several websites. Here's one of my favourites.

Eventually, each student prints off their posted comments in sequence as a final 'lab report'.