How do you use technology to help students learn more about their state and their own community? For Keystone Elementary School, the answer is the "Where in PA?" webinar and Elluminate Live! Coordinated by the Chester County Intermediate Unit, the webinar linked five 4th grade classrooms across the state, including Kate Schoeppner’s students at Keystone Elementary.
To prepare for their big day, the students researched their own communities and prepared slideshows of clues, including history, geography, and famous citizens, to help the other schools guess the name of their town. Each school gave a one-minute introduction and then had five minutes to present their clues using the slideshows and live video.
Next, the students had 30 minutes to pinpoint the locations of the other schools. Mrs. Schoeppner's students used their best Internet research skills and wireless laptops to come up with educated guesses about "where in PA" the other students could be found. The session ended with a "big reveal," during which Mrs. Schoeppner’s students dressed in their Keystone Elementary t-shirts and sang the school song.
I thought the webinar was going to be very boring but I guess I was very wrong, because it was a blast! I had so much fun! It only felt like it was 2 minutes, though I wish it was way longer. My most favorite part was when we got to do the researching!
Keystone Elementary Student
What an amazing experience! Our 2 hour webinar was a huge success. We all learned so much, and not just about PA geography. This was obviously a very worthwhile activity. I only wish that more fourth graders from around our state could have this opportunity. Many of the students have since asked when we are going to do it again! I am so glad they enjoyed the experience!
Kate Schoeppner, Teacher, Keystone Elementary
What a fantastic learning experience this was for our students! They developed research and note-taking as well as technology skills as they prepared for and participated in the webinar. Kudos to Mrs. Schoeppner for giving her students this "21st Century" educational experience. Her goal for the school year is to integrate more technology into her curriculum, and she certainly did so in a big way!
« More Elluminate Succes Stories
