Roanoke County Schools have only been in session for a few days but the teachers are fired up about using technology to connect with learners around the world.  Here’s just a sampling of what the teachers I work with are up to:

The Oreo Cookie Project - Both Mrs. Clifford and Ms. Zebosky from Green Valley Elementary school are starting the year out right! Cookies and collaboration, what could be better?  Both teachers will participate in The Oreo Cookie Project this month!

Are you taller than a First Grader? – Quite possibly you are!  The real question is How Tall is a First Grader? Mrs. Kern’s class from Back Creek Elementary is going to participate with students around the country to determine this information. Students will be measured this fall and again this spring.

Regions of Virginia – Mrs. Stanley’s Fourth Graders will collaborate with students across the state this year to learn interesting facts about the Regions of Virginia.  Check in with their wiki from time to time to view Voicethread and Podcast projects!

Oceans of Ideas – Both Mrs. Steffen’s & Ms. Rooney’s classes created amazing digital stories last year after participating in a unit that focused on the ocean.  Here’s a taste of what the students created! This year’s 8th Graders will participate in this unit again and collaborate with <ahem>a certain diver this fall.

This type of collaboration just skims the surface of what is available to the students in your classroom!  Here are a few other projects that are up and coming:

The Gingerbread Man Project

The Monster Exchange

The Ocean Challenge Live

And up an coming soon:
The Zoo Math Project- a multi-district (Roanoke City, Salem, & Roanoke Co), Third Grade Math adventure based on our very own Mill Mt. Zoo!  Stay tuned for details!
Story Chasers – Students can share stories on a variety of topics with other kids around the world. First up, Spooky Ghost Stories!!!
Animal Habitats – Students in Texas would love to discuss habitats and food chains with students in Virginia. 
Ocean Voicethreads – Do your students understand the ocean environment and the characteristics of the Continental Shelf & Slope?  Not only can they ask me questions that I’ll gladly answer after diving, but they can collaborate with other students around the world to discuss ideas and issues. 

The ability to collaborate with classrooms around the district, state, country or globe is easier than ever!  Let’s get together soon to get your kids involved in this amazing learning activity.