WEBSTORM!

       So, I thought I had coined a new phrase the other day when I told my students to webstorm in class.  Evidently, webstorm is already some java thing.  However, that has nothing to do with what my webstorm is.  Brainstorming on topics has been a long standing introduction to a unit or to a lesson.  "Tell me what you already know."  I'm not sure how much learning that actually brings about.  It may remind students of what they've learned in the past but then it stops. Most teachers then switch to direct instruction and the students lose their curiosity.  I offer an alternative: "Webstorm".  Its driven by the students' initial curiosity and incites curiosity in future lessons.
       Webstorming is simple.  Give the students a shared space and give them 10 minutes to find out and share as much information about a topic as possible.  They are also encouraged to share what they already know, which can usually be done in the first minute before they explore the web looking for videos, definitions, pictures or anything that explains the topic. The students can make connections from researching on-line and also by seeing what others have posted.  I like to post questions that draw out deeper research about half way through the time.
       The students can take a few minutes for the "calm after the storm" to look quietly at what others have posted.  They can respond, ask questions or just view quietly depending on the topic.
     My favorite site for webstorming is called Wallwisher.  It allows students to post stickies without creating accounts.  You can create accounts for all your students if you want but this is supposed to be quick tech as well as easy.  Without accounts you do need to be vigilant and refresh continuously so you can delete anything someone posts that is inappropriate.  The teacher needs to create an account to create walls but then students can get to the walls with just a link.  Its simple, its quick and the kids seem to love it and get a lot from it.  

Label a fish or anything else.

If you don't have google accounts for all of your students, its time to talk to your administration and get them.  Google Docs can take your classroom to the next level allowing students to collaborate and allowing you to see what progress students make though out the day. The best part is that it is free and easy to use.

Using google docs is incredibly simple and takes very little set up time for cool little assignments.  Here's one I did today. Using google Docs I created a drawing and then copied a picture to the drawing. I shared the document with each student. The students then labeled the parts of a fish using simple text boxes and lines. Google docs work best once you have trained your students to use them.  You can share the image with the whole class but not give sharing privileges.  The students can then make a copy and share it with you and whoever you allow them to collaborate with.  I really think google docs style collaboration is how the world will work in the very near future.  Here's what the fish looked like in less than 10 minutes, I gave them a grade for the work and they can use the image to study from and add to.  Seems like a great idea for geography or anything with parts for students learn.