Trials for the study..

Yesterday and today we tried some trials:  database access, Google Hangout, and working outside the office.

Accessing databases instead of search engines has been a problem. The students are doing research, not retrieval projects. Being able to access scholarly information is critical. Although Google Scholar may present articles, studies, and books, the students cannot get to them without signing in or paying to read them. What we've done is worked with the librarian here at school who sent me the link for the Gale Group database (purchased by the school system). I put it into a Google Doc and shared it with the students. Now they all have access to databases!

The Google Hangout doesn't work because the students don't have gmail accounts. I understand students at another middle school in the county has gmail accounts. That may be where this needs to go to allow for the critical friend collaborations.

Chromebook outside.

Taking the Chrome Book and working outside the office, into the library, was successful as far as I could see. One student who tends to be quiet, and tends to prefer quiet, took advantage of working alone outside the group of chatty middle school students. Two students who tend to dominate conversations in one way or another worked in the library and got a lot done AND did not irritate the others with constant vying for teacher attention. All in all, a worthwhile trial of personal freedom. The note spreadsheets look like everyone got work done in their own way and at their own pace. As the weather turns warmer, we'll try working outside and see how that does.