Project time...#savmp

It may seem strange to be thinking of taking on a project during this hectic December season, but I find this is the best time for me to be getting my feet wet on something new. After reading through all the report cards, getting any items needed for the Winter Concert, wrapping up the volleyball season and clearing my desk of old concerns, I'm ready to take on something big.

After attending another Apple workshop at the end of November, I was inspired and committed to truly understanding the use of iBooks and iBooks Author. The only way that I can do this, is by using it with purpose. Wait, isn't this what we are trying to do with our students? Learn with purpose?

I pitched my idea to the teachers at my school, and luckily I had a taker. In fact it is a subject area I enjoyed as a both a student and teacher,  which will make my task even more relevant. I will really be excited to get my hands dirty on this one (careful not to go overboard).

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The topic - Canadian Railway in Grade 5. The problem the teacher is having is the material she was using with her students is extremely outdated and not at all appealing. My goal is to take all she has and try and produce an iBook and then also embed it in an iTunes U Course. It may seem like a lofty goal and project, but it's the only way for me see the potential that an online book and course could have on a group of Grade 5 students. The opportunity to publish something that students may find appealing and relatively up to date is an exciting project to take on. No different than if I was teaching in a classroom again.

Not only is building an iBook with interactive pictures, diagrams and ongoing assessments in the Apple environment attractive, but what I'm really interested in is how easy this is to do. The next step is for students to build their own. Now that would PBL at it's best.

Stay tuned and I'll be sure to post the link as soon as it is published and online. 

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