Application 4

For my presentation I used an audio recorder. I am not able to upload a sound clip so I included the script in the blog and will send the clip through the drop box. 

Rcampus is a great tool that teachers can use to create and implement learning modules with their students. This site offers many resources such as portfolios in which students can upload and submit their work, rubrics created by the teacher designed for specific projects that the students can obtain to ensure quality work, a way to look for and post your application as a tutor, and sell and exchange text books. Rcampus is also a great way to closely work with your students and to use as a platform for students to work together with each other.

Rcampus can help solve two problems that occur in my school. First of all, teachers present assignments, discuss expectations using rubrics handed out, and provide all information needed. Two days later the students come in forgetting all that they were told and losing rubrics and guidelines. With the paper-crunch that we usually have, it is hard to constantly give handouts and re-explain the assignment to each student. When they forget it is not just a detail or two… they come in saying “I don’t know what your talking about” when you ask how their assignment is coming. The second problem that this will solve is parental involvement. I have found that parents are rarely involved in their childs education. This would provide them with a way to be involved as the assignment is listed for them to see as well. Now, when a parent comes in for conferences and does not know why their child has a poor grade they can be held accountable as well because they were able to view the assignment and are expected to make sure their child is on task. (I fully believe that the parents of my fifth graders should be involved at least in making sure they are doing their work.) These modules can support meaningful, authentic learning because they provide a way for assignments and projects to be student-driven.

Like any new technology it takes time. If a few teachers were willing to try this out and figure out the ins and outs of the program then it would be easy, after time, to implement this buildingwide.

Thank you.