Technology & Learning - May 2008 - (Page 64)

By T&L Editors Tech Literacy with a Conscience How teach real-world life lessons and develop Web-based skills. There is nothing ambiguous about Carole Colburn’s mission at Highlander Way of the f the h Middle School in Howell, Michigan. She wants her students to learn—and to be empowered to help others—by working on projects that immerse them in their community. Technology is simply a conduit to make that happen. One such undertaking is PROJECT: HOUSE (Helping Out Underprivileged Students Everywhere). Developed by Colburn and district colleague Chris Eldred, the project marshaled students from various classes to raise awareness about Habitat for Humanity. Colburn’s Technology Literacy students analyzed the Livingston County Habitat for Humanity Web site and created PowerPoint slide shows designed to compel viewers to volunteer or to donate money. Communications Arts students wrote and produced skits about what it might be like to need a Habitat home. Applied Technology and Art students from nearby Three Fires Middle School designed dollhouses and miniature furniture to reflect the look and feel of a typical Habitat home. At the end of the project, students raffled off the dollhouses and donated $800 in proceeds to the Livingston County Habitat for Humanity. “I wanted to make connections between students and community members and also instill a sense of civic responsibility in the students by having them work with a charitable organization,” says Colburn, who runs the nine-week elective at HWMS. According to Howell Public Schools superintendent W. Charles Breiner, Colburn is a “dynamic force in our teaching faculty,” adding that she is “conscientious, articulate, knowledgeable, precise, highly effective, studious, innovative, and forward-thinking in her pedagogy.” Colburn’s other classroom projects follow a similar template as PROJECT: HOUSE. There’s PROJECT: SKILL (Student Knowledge Inspiring Lifelong Learning), which had students teaching technology skills to local senior citizens. For PROJECT: SERVE (Students Everywhere Leader: Carole Colburn Technology Literacy Teacher, Highlander Way Middle School, Howell, Michigan School Snapshot: 1,200 students in grades 6–8; one of two middle schools in an 8,450-student district located in south-central Michigan. LEADER Year Respecting Veterans Everyday), students produced multimedia presentations about veterans’ organizations and also videotaped several interviews with local veterans. Their work was shown at a student-organized “Day of Honor and Tribute” held at the school. Assessment is authentic. Students write reflective essays throughout the project; they also help each other tweak their work via peer evaluations. In addition to posting work on her Web site, Colburn stages a “Day of Authentic Assessment” in which students showcase what they’ve learned to parents and students from other classes. Colburn’s methods have reaped benefits for students. “First, they get to examine their skill and knowledge level in relation to technological tools,” Breiner says. “Second, they get to apply this knowledge to real-world problems; third, they get to work with others to assist others in making the world a better place.” And when it comes to getting involved with community, Colburn walks the talk. In addition to presenting at numerous conferences, Colburn mentors her colleagues at an after-school technology camp offered twice a month. And if that weren’t enough, Colburn has served as mayor of Dansville, the small village where she lives, for the past eight years. Learn more: www.howellschools.com; www.colburnscorner.com Last Byte: “Carole’s mind is always busy forming the next project, finding a way to involve the community and kids.” —Megan Pennoni, HWMS science teacher 64 | www.techlearning.com PHOTO BY LEAH BRINKER http://www.howellschools.com http://www.colburnscorner.com http://www.techlearning.com

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Technology & Learning - May 2008

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