Jigsaw

Jigsaw is a collaborative group learning technique. In Jigsaw, the class is broken up into groups.  Each group is assigned a topic with each student in the group a subtopic.  Each student  researches their topic and then discusses their research in a group called an expert group.  The expert group is a group of students that have been assigned the same subtopic.  In the expert group students teach each other what they have learned about the topic.  When students return to their original group the students in the group teach each other their subtopics and take a test on the knowledge they have acquired.

If I had a class that only had five computers each group would be assigned a computer.  Each person in the group would have to take turns researching their topic. Each expert group could then be assigned a computer.  In the expert group each student could add what they have learned and type it up on the computer.  When students convene back to the original group each student could bring their information onto one computer teaching the others in the group about the topics that were assigned.

There are some advantages and disadvantages to using this method.  When using Jigsaw with five computers, students learn to collaborate with each other.  When students collaborate with each other they become responsible for their own learning and learn acceptance of each other which is a great advantage in the classroom. A disadvantage of using Jigsaw in this way is time. A teacher has to give students a lot of time  to research the topic.  This could take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to allow enough time for students to go through the whole Jigsaw process which can be a huge disadvantage.

Google Tools For Educators

Google has made a collection of tools that can be used in any classroom for students and teachers.  Google book search, blogger,  Geo Education, and Google docs are just a few of the tools I feel could be useful in the classroom. These are free tools that can be used by any one that has a Google account.  They are great way for teachers to use up to date technology to keep students engaged in their learning.

Google Book Search allows students to search and access current to outdated books from anywhere.  I would have my students research materials they need to do reports and presentations through this search engine. This allows students access to an endless library at their own leisure.  No more excuses as to why they can't get information when it is at a touch of a button.

Blogger is a free tool through Google that allows students or teachers to be able to communicate with others.  I would use Blogger to communicate with students and parents about upcoming events, due dates, and weekly assignments.  This way parents can keep in touch as to what is happening in class and students have access to assignments if they forget or are absent.  This also allows students to communicate with me or other students if they need help on an assignment.  It is a great way to keep in constant communication.

Geo Education has many applications that can be used, I have chosen Google Sky to use with my students to learn about astronomy.  By using this tool I can pull up what we are learning about, such as planets, stars and comets in real time outer space.  Teachers can pull up space through the Hubble telescope to get a real view.  By bringing real pictures into class,  students have knowledge of what space looks like without having to leave a classroom.

One of the advantages of using the tool Google Docs in my class is it allows students to collaborate with each other in real time to produce a document or presentation.  Students no longer have to meet up and have one student type while others are giving information.  This tool allows students to work on a presentation or document simultaneously.  Students can work from any location at any time and collaborate with others.