WPLA Morning NEWSProject based learning in a real world setting, that is WPLA news.
The news elective is an interdisciplinary course which integrates Language Arts and technology. The class is managed like a “real” job, with deadlines. Students collaborate to plan their own reports. They gather background knowledge through information from a video they take of a school event, and the answers they receive from the questions they ask from their “sources”. The art of asking questions improves inquiry in writing and reading. Asking a deep question augments comprehension and student understanding of how developing and asking appropriate questions, helps them to elaborate as they develop their reports. Students’ reports focus on: school events, special occasions, and recognition of student awards. The audience includes the whole school. Students collaborate to complete quality projects with minimal teacher support. This builds confidence with the technology as they learn to trust their own abilities. Students learn effective communication use of the different technology tools. These tools include digital video cameras, scanners, a switcher with chroma-key and green screen technology, external hard drives, computers and video editing software, slide-show software and a word processor. I strive to prepare students for lifelong learning to develop their writing ability, assist them in the school-wide writing program, and to develop their interest in, communications, and technology as it relates to the authentic learning experience of a school-wide televised morning news program. |
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