Crystal

Collaborative Classrooms Look Like: Cross curricular lessons IE: Language Arts and Social Studies - students could research a topic for English, such as the Holocaust, then create a powerpoint or other media presentation, such as a film using a flip video camera to present research findings to other students.
 * Students will work independently after initial facilitation meetings with the teacher, who is a "coach".
 * Students will work together to solve real world problems.

Students will use technology tools such as Wikis and Blogs to post responses to homework, class openers, and primary document readings.
 * Authentic learning will take place and students will gain greater competency at higher levels.

Students will use discussion circles, raw data, and primary sources to guide learning. Students will use webtools to create exhibitions of learning. Differentiated instruction will be used to reach students of all levels. Tiered assignments will be used. Students will share responsibility with others. Groups will have facilitators to report to the teacher. Students will have access to netbooks in the classroom to supplement or lead instruction. Students will be encouraged through the collaborative classroom to think independently - their independent thinking will/can be shared through blogs or wikis. Students will receive coaching to work together with others in the collaborative classroom. Students will gain basic knowledge in dealing with other people so they can work together to get the job done successfully.
 * Students will use various webtools.

To move toward a collaborative school we need buy in from more staff - across the board. We will need common time to meet and plan if we are going to work cross curricular. For my classroom to become a collaborative classroom I need to be willing to let go even more and teach my students to be active learners and responsible to one another and myself. My ideal classroom would be the constructivist classroom where students are producing work - authentic learning is taking place,and students are responsible for the work they produce. I will know this learning has taken place when they can discuss and share what they have learned. That sharing can take place through face to face discussion, but also through blogs and online journaling. The collaborative classroom will enable students to show what they know through the use of wikis and blogs, but also through media projects that are shared in the classroom. Students will create mini films using the flip camera's. They may interview each other or create video diaries to record their thoughts about what they have been learning.