PLN1+Feedback


 * Main Page **


 * Positive Feedback:**
 * Nice looking layout/design – excellent use of separators, headers, fonts, images, and white space.
 * Navigation – good job providing links to blogs and to other wiki pages.
 * Intro paragraphs – well written, clearly explain what is PBL and why use it
 * Resources – 4 of 5 links are terrific, adding to the information presented. The BLM site is of special note!


 * Suggested Improvements:**
 * Planning info – some content should have been edited as it is assignment-specific and not intended for others (I have highlighted in red the content to be removed).
 * Resources – Teachers Network: PBL link isn’t working
 * Graphics – consider adding other widgets that add more interactivity (video, chat, slideshow, etc.) so all enhancements aren’t static images
 * Layout – there are some inconsistent gaps between some paragraphs
 * Wikilinks - there were several terms that could have used hyperlinks (PBL, critical thinking skills, web apps, etc.)


 * Brainstorming **


 * Positive Feedback:**
 * Mind map – great representation of your initial discussions
 * Graphics – the kids with the cloud is great!
 * Layout/Design – consistent with main page
 * Navigation – again, nice use of links to other pages


 * Suggested Improvements****:**
 * Mind map – reduce the image size so it all fits on the page (rather than having readers scroll). Add a hyperlink on the image so if people want to see it bigger, they can click on the image to enlarge it.


 * “Turning a New Leaf” **


 * Tara –** The project description is very complete, giving readers a clear understanding of the overall project. Incorporating the product outcome into the description is helpful. Will there be preservation activities too? (Otherwise, how will the leaves last all year?)


 * Stephanie –** You describe HOW the children will be completing activities, but you don’t clearly describe WHAT the kids actually produce. The blog is barely mentioned in the final sentence, yet it is the most important piece of information in your paragraph. If Tara had not included information about the product in her description, I would not understand what the children are creating. Leave the process (the HOW) out of this paragraph and instead focus on the product (the WHAT).


 * Megan –** You give one specific science standard, which is a good start, but you need to find more curriculum connections. This project also satisfies Language Arts (they’re writing blogs), math (data analysis), educational technology (using various tech interfaces and skills), social sciences (cultural comparisons), and perhaps more (such as Art). All of these subject areas should have been explored and specific standards should be listed in your paragraph.


 * Michael –** You provide great detail in support of your driving question, which was not necessary but is greatly appreciated. The driving question itself needs a little work to make it truly all-encompassing and thought-provoking. Your question asks children to identify the significant changes in seasons, which is a knowledge-based question. We want to ask kids to think at a higher level. More challenging questions would be something like “How do tree leaves change based on seasons, location, or environment?” or “Why do trees in Oregon change colors at different times than trees in other locations?” or “If all trees in America were Oak trees, would they all change color at the same time?”


 * Amanda –** Your description of technology integration is very clear. Adding links to specific example sites was an excellent idea. You can add some other technology to the list: digital camera (to take pictures of the leaves to post on the blogs), document camera (to look at leaves as a class or to read books about leaves), or a digital camera (why not create a “time-lapse” video for the whole year?). Also, add your vision for tech integration…will the kids be working on individual computers? In the lab? In stations? As a large group with the teacher leading the class? Be sure such information is part of your description.


 * Summary **

Overall, you did a great job with this assignment. The information is clearly presented, easy to read, and thoughtful. Your project could easily be incorporated into your curriculum, and collaborating with a sister school is a terrific way to extend your classroom walls. Your PBL wiki is a success!

Mrs. Langston