03-05-04

I suggested my project idea in the following email to Art:

Dear Art:
 I have been thinking about a project idea that I want to briefly share with you.  Originally, I thought about the local scavenger hunt project, and shared that with you.  But, now, I have something even bigger in mind...a project that is of vital importance for the local community (of which I am a part), a topic that is important to our state and nation, and one that has global significance as well!   It's a little edgey, somewhat controversial, but usually those are the best types of topics for teaching!
 I am talking, in a word, about Peace.  2 nights ago another local youth was killed in a shooting that resulted from a previous argument.  He had argued with someone outside the PAL building and the other party threatened him, something to the effect of "keep talking, keep talking".   Then, 2 nights ago, he was shot (in the mouth).  This is just another example of the senseless violence that occurs on an almost daily basis here in Atlantic City .  
   I got to thinking about how bad the situation is, especially since this young man (20 y.o.) was one of my husband's former students.  I thought about how we might be able to focus on the issue of handgun violence, and it's impact on our nation's youth.   I also thought about how this project could help to focus our students on conflict resolution and change within the community.
   I really wasn't thinking technology at all...but then I realized this would be a perfect idea for STARW!!  Think about it, we could investigate the statistics on violent crimes pre-1900's, mid 1900's, and now.  We could examine the Constitutional right to bear arms, and it's significance in today's society.   We could then have a major culminating activity that focuses on a multi-media ad blitz.  We can produce print, radio, website, and TV spots all focusing on stopping the violence.  The children would use all of our equipment (the Internet, the digital & video cameras) to write, produce, and edit these public service announcements.  
  In the end, it wouldn't be just another technology project, but a life changing experience where our students would actually help to affect change in their community!!
  Can you picture this??
  I hope you have chills, like Kelly did when I did this selling talk in person!!  It may not come across as well in email form.   I have also spoken to Brook, and she's all for it!!
  Think about it, and let me know if this may be a possiblity!!  I really couldn't be more excited, and I hope you will be too!!
  Forward any questions you have, or criticisms.  We've already thought of ways to present this to the community!!  Our minds are racing!!

Janine

03-07-04

Today I heard from Art & Kelly. They are both thinking along the same lines. Both have already come up with title ideas for the project.

I thought Kelly's idea “We Shall Overcome” was a good one because it reflects Dr. King's philosophy. I thought that was brilliant because it suggests the connection between Dr. King's work and the project itself. But then I saw Art's idea “From Bullying to Bullets” and I liked it just as much because it's provocative and immediately captures your attention (kind of in the same way newspaper headlines sensationalize crime stories).

We'll have to give it more thought, and also get some input from the group. I told Art that Brook had suggested possibly introducing this project idea to the whole STAR-W crew when we meet with Phil. I said I would be happy to create a Power Point presentation, but then I thought about my report card conference PP, and how it really fell flat. I'm seeing that there are times when face to face talks are needed as opposed to the use of any type of technology. This may be one of those times when a personal touch is more important in order to truly convey my passion and enthusiasm for the topic idea. (Another great lesson learned—know when to use what!!) Besides, there will be plenty of time for technology integration once we get into the project itself.

I'm really excited about this now, no matter what we ultimately choose as a topic. I feel like it's the first time I'm seeing how we can focus on a subject or topic and develop a whole project around that idea using technology as a tool….rather than doing it the other way around. Before now, I was completely focused on technology itself. When I thought project I automatically thought scavenger hunt !

03-17-04

The Contribute workshop was great, other than a small major glitch—when the power in the building went out, and took the Internet with it! Oh well. It may have worked out for the best, anyway. We all just sat around, bouncing questions off of Phil. It was great having Phil & Art there—two experts to help us work out all the little, tweeky things we want to do with our webpages!! Too bad animations don't fall into the realm of “good website design”!! I think I'll go with Phil's rebellious idea, and just try to make a webpage that is packed with animations, words in large fonts, and multiple colors!! I am loving Contribute. I feel so in control! It was really just what we needed, and you can see how much we're enjoying it by how fast the STAR-W site is growing. By next year—it's going to be outrageous.