May 19, 2008
· Filed under Content Providers
A few weeks ago, a teacher shared with me the student learning from a videoconference in January. She still remembers and the students keep talking about the videoconference they had with The Cleveland Museum of Art. So I forwarded it on to Dale Hilton.
Do you know how much the content providers appreciate hearing from us? You remember that they aren’t making money on us, right?! Even for the content providers that are breaking even, they still aren’t able to use the funds to pay the staff who run it.
So, that bring me to today’s question. Have you thanked your favorite content provider(s) lately? Have you let them know the difference they are making for your students? They can use that information to keep their program going, to let their boards & decision makers know the value of the programming. So, thank them!!
Graphics for Thank You Comments
May 13, 2008
· Filed under MysteryQuests
I’ve been seeing a lot of posters in the last several MysteryQuest USA session. They are still really hard to do well. In today’s afternoon session, Washington Elem, California did an excellent job. I think it was their first time too.
The students had very clear posters with big writing and just the short bit of information that had to be written down. The students came up, held up the poster, waited a bit. Then they read the information from the back of the poster. Reading from the back helps the student hold the poster still and straight to the camera. After reading the clues, they paused again! It was wonderful that they didn’t run off so quickly! Made note taking much easier. Great job, Washington Elementary!
May 6, 2008
· Filed under MysteryQuests
I’ve been running a bunch of MysteryQuest USA sessions in the last couple weeks, and more coming. Here are a few snippets from what’s been happening so far.
Intros
After the introductions in the session today, the first class was unmuted for a bit before they started their presentation. I heard a student ask, “Are we going to see her?” I laughed and said, “I know you don’t want to see me; I’ll be muting my video.” That’s why I like to control the bridge at the same time I’m running a MysteryQuest. I can “hide” when I want to. And now I know the kids want me to hide too! 
It was pretty funny. I could see the student who said it squirm in her seat as I chuckled about it.
Presentations
This screen shot is from a presentation that was organized around the game, Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader? Very fun!
News shows are always fun, especially when complemented by visuals to review the clues. This class, from Western Hills, El Paso, did a news show. In this shot, the announcer is in a helicopter!!! How cool is that?!
This is an example from New York State of a background that gives clues at the same time as providing a set for a new show.
Clarifying Questions
In the clarifying questions section, we’ve had some interesting questions. I think my favorite so far this year was, “Is your city colorful?” The class wasn’t sure, so they said “no.” But we all still wonder what city they had in mind!
Sharing Guesses
This clue is on the document camera and is a great example of sharing a guess. This class did well because they had time to make and print these before we shared guesses!
As usual, MysteryQuest USA is a lot of fun and full of engaging learning experiences!
May 2, 2008
· Filed under Content Providers
