Jigsaw Cooperative Learning Activity

Using the Jigsaw Cooperative Method I could make 5 groups based on the topic, "How to Care for a New Puppy." One expert group could learn the process for bathing a dog. The second expert group could be the process on how to feed a dog. The third expert group could be the process on how to clean up after a dog. The fourth expert could be the process of how to clip a dogs toenails. The fith expert group could be the proper ways to walk a dog.

Having only 5 computers in my classroom I could make each computer relative to each of the 5 topics. I would have two experts from the "ways to walk a dog" topic come to one computer, while the rest of the group is using different resources such as, encyclopedias, books from the library, one group utilizing prior knowledge based what the already know about dogs, maybe using a graphic organizer to document their ideas. Basically i would have 10 kids working on the computers while the others are using other resources to gather information.

One advantage of this method would be that it's a huge time saver. Not every child would be researching ever topic. They have to inturpret the information and be able to summarize what they have learned. Being able to summarize is a form of high level thinking and a very important skill for children to learn.

One disadvantage would be that some kids get off task easily and may not get enough infomation to teach the other kids what they have learned, causing a gap in the activity.

Google For Educators

Three classroom tools that I would use for my classroom would be:

Book Search - I would use this tool if the students were doing a research project and needed addition information regarding a topic. I think it would be a good way to narrow down information from the web. They can get specific information regarding their topic without using random search engines.If students were looking for a specific book that their library didn't carry, or that was out of print, they may be able to find it on the book search.


Picasa - I think this site would be great if I were teaching a media class, yearbook or journalism class. Students could upload photos and create a portfolio of their work. It would also be a great way for kids to scrapbook pictures from a class field trip without me as a teacher, having to make multiple prints for each student. Also as a teacher I could post pictures from different class activities/field trips and create an online website for parents and students to view from home.

Web Search - Useful for teaching students to understand the basic concepts of searching the web. Like what is "URL" and understanding how to use search engines. This would be useful for a teacher because there are documents that show you how to teach the lesson.

One way I could incorporate Google Docs into my classroom would be teaching students to upload research papers, homework, etc and then I can correct/view them without having to print, do it all online. GO GREEN! :)

Assistive Technology