I was just talking with a CFF (Classrooms for the Future) coach yesterday and this is the scenario he used for a project with his Social studies students. The 9th grade students were divided into groups, with members coming from different classes. That forced them to use discussion forums, etc to communicate. They had studied the various Dynasties of China and this was their final project that the students built in a wiki.

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"Imagine you are members of a team of lawyers for a large law firm.  The team is 20-25 freshmen, and the law firm is your freshman class.  What is at stake is control of the most populated and up and coming world power on the planet - CHINA!  China's history is rich and extensive with accomplishments.

Your job is to prepare a court document arguing why your dynasty is the greatest dynasty to ever rule China and deserves to rule China.  Your team members are other lawyers from Mr. XXXXXXs, Mr. YYYYY's, Mr. ZZZZZ’s, and Mr. AAAAAA’s classes.

The whole reason for going to court is because other groups think your dynasty does not deserve to rule China.  They want their dynasty to have the right to rule China and they are going to try and discredit your group’s dynasty.  So along with pointing out your dynasties accomplishments, you must also defend potential accusations others may make against your dynasty and why your dynasty doesn’t deserve to rule China.

There are 3 important details that you, as lawyers, should remember:

1. Communicate with your team so everyone is on the same page when you present your document to the court.
2. You must have credible evidence, so your team MUST create a bibliography page.
3. Also, while you have access to all the same evidence, you do not have access to other teams’ arguments – your argument is protected under attorney-client privilege.  Any discussion forum or wiki you click on leaves a history that your judges view.  Be careful, because any evidence of "spying" or tampering will lead to severe penalties.

This is a massive and important case.  Trillions of dollars and billions of people are at stake.  Lawyers cannot change the history of their clients.  All they can do is represent them to the best of their abilities to try and win their case."

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Students had access to Graphic organizers, discussion forums, Google Docs, and many other tools of the web. (From what I could see their filter is very reasonable.)

I liked the idea that the students were in groups with students from other classes to force them to communicate frequently online. I also liked the fact that this wasn't just a Multiple Choice test, but an assignment that forced them to think critically about not only their Dynasty but the others, as well. They had to be able to do more than just gather one liners.

What level of the new Bloom's taxonomy does this reach? What "21st Century Skills" must the students use to accomplish their task? And, what might you have done to enhance the lesson a bit? What tools would you be certain that the students knew how to use?

I'm sure the teachers who were involved would love to hear your thoughts on the assignment. That's how we learn and grow, right?

Tonight, @bethstill retweeted this story: http://www.omaha.com/article/20100130/NEWS01/701309895 (fixed link)

This small Nebraska high school had raised over $5000 for their Junior-Senior prom. But, they decided NOT to spend the money on the prom this year, but rather to donate it to the Haiti relief fund, instead. That just... it just really gets me. We all know what a big deal the prom is, right? Yet, this group is giving it up. AND, they don't want anyone else to pay for their prom, either, as that would defeat the purpose. They're giving up their prom for the Haiti relief efforts. Are you noticing a lump in your throat, now, too?

The next time you're around someone who bashes teenagers, tell them this story. And there are so many more like this. I don't know anyone in that school, but I'm so VERY proud of them. So very, VERY proud.

I like this idea. Teams of 5th graders studied the Dewey Decimal system and then worked collaboratively to create Wordles to identify the kinds of books in each category.

Wanna see? Here they are.

Congratulations to Amy Soule, the librarian, for the idea and for encouraging the students along the way.

I thought it was interesting that in tonight's State of the Union address, President Obama said that he'd settle for nothing less than a World Class Education.

I've heard that somewhere before.

"After 30+ years in the field of education I'm now on my own, doing what I LOVE to do - talking about how technology can enhance teaching and learning. I've been around since Commodore 64's and DOS 1.0 and I've seen it all. Now that the world's information is in our pockets I think that the purpose of schools has changed. In this "flat world" it is imperative that we step up to create a world class education for our students. Say it with me. "I DEMAND A WORLD CLASS EDUCATION FOR MY KIDS!"

I'm in good company. :)

This evening a question was put out on a listserv that I belong to, and I thought it was an excellent one. The idea was this: "We need examples of your best lessons."

What would go through your mind if you were asked that? Would you think, "Well, I could submit a few, but I'd have to fix them up a bit." or, "I'm not really sure if anyone would think that this was a good lesson.", or, "I wonder if I could have done a better job reaching higher in the Bloom's scale?" or, "Is this lesson really challenging enough and worth of a student in this grade level?" Do you have any second thoughts? Do you look at your lesson through a different lens? Really? If the WORLD could see it?

As an instructional coach that's what you encourage your teachers to ask themselves all the time, isn't it?

I think it's a great exercise. Before settling on ANY lesson plan, ask yourself, "Would I change any part of this lesson if I were going to submit it for global review?"

How many lessons of yours wouldmake the cut without even so much as a second glance - just to be sure?