PLN4+Feedback


 * Main Page **


 * Positive Feedback:**
 * Planning list – Although you misunderstood my intent for this section, I love how it worked out for your group. I asked that you clarify what those bullet points mean in terms of ANY project, but you wrote how each of those steps fit into your specific project. Again, not what I asked for, but what you did was really cool!
 * Layout/Design – the fonts and colors used are consistent.


 * Suggested Improvements****:**
 * Authors’ Names – keep all names on one line, rather than each on their own line, which creates a lot of wasted white space on the right side of the page (or add an image there to take up some space)
 * Subheadings – be consistent with sizes (you have three different sizes and styles on this page)
 * Intro paragraph – some of the sentences are difficult to understand (what does this mean: “These activities are input to answer a question or solve problems to enhance learning of indviduals in the classroom.”). Be consistent in the usage of PBL (not Pbl) and Project Based Learning (not Project based learning).
 * Why use it paragraph – watch for typos!
 * Resource List – annotate each site listed
 * Layout/Design – there are no graphics on this page. There is a large gap between your introductory information and the planning steps.
 * Navigation – consider adding links to your other wiki pages on this page so people don’t have to return to the nav bar to find your other pages. Plus, this tells readers there are other pages to read!
 * Wikilinks – where are they?


 * Brainstorming **


 * Positive Feedback:**
 * Mind maps – both maps are very thorough and clearly show the group’s thought processes.
 * Bubbl.us link – excellent way to encourage others to try the web app!
 * Brainstorm graphic – nicely related to the page content


 * Suggested Improvements****:**
 * Mind maps – shrink the size of the images so readers don’t have to scroll to see all the information (they may not realize they can). Instead, add a hyperlink to the smaller sized graphic so if people want to see it bigger, they click on the image and it enlarges.
 * Layout/Design – what are the equals signs around the Brainstorm image?
 * Navigation – add page links to other wiki pages on this page too


 * The Oregon Trail **


 * Kristen –** Your description clearly states the activities included in the project. You specify roles for group members. The paragraph is well-written and informative. You describe some of the criteria for the blogs, however, I would encourage you to fully explain each week’s criteria as part of the overview. You want other teachers to be able to understand exactly what you want the kids to do throughout the project.


 * Eliza –** The product is clearly described in this paragraph. Readers can quickly understand that you want the students to produce a poster and a diary blog. I encourage you to include the specific questions asked each week and consider adding a few sentences about how the project could be differentiated for all learners (for example, could the poster be electronic?).


 * Alisa –** You did an excellent job of finding many social sciences standards that apply to this project, but what about the other subject areas this project satisfies? Your plan easily meets Language Arts (writing on blogs), Art (designing posters), math (planning/purchasing supplies), technology (using computers and applying skills), and possibly many more. Be sure to find ALL curricular connections when considering a project as large as this one. Also, beware – you used a different font (Times) for this section than the rest of the page.


 * Shannon –** I like how you clarify the driving questions with supporting information, and all of your rationales are on-point. However, the driving question is not one you ask of YOURSELVES, it is intended to be asked of the CHILDREN. The questions stated do not match with the activities planned. Here are some alternatives:
 * 1) What would have happened to American society if all early attempts to cross the country had failed?
 * 2) Why did pioneers find crossing the country to be an ordeal?
 * 3) Compare crossing the country in today’s times with crossing the country in a covered wagon.


 * Nichole –** Your tech integration summary is accurate, but it feels incomplete. Could the children use digital cameras to photograph themselves dressed for the journey (incorporate into blog or poster)? How about using a video camera to capture the final presentations? Could a document camera be employed for some large-group research activities? Think about every step in the project and find ways to use technology to help facilitate the process (and the learning opportunities). Using technology as a research device is only the tip of iceberg!


 * NOTE:** Nice job adding additional research links to this page. They help support your project ideas.


 * Summary **

Much of this wiki is successful! Your background information is clear and will help others better understand PBL. Your project brings a “traditional” activity (diary writing) to a technological context (e-diary blog). The students will enjoy using the blog interface during the project. Consider adding more technology to the final product…the poster could easily become a digital version using programs such as Glogster (we’ll be looking at this web app soon!). Nicely done!

Mrs. Langston