Cross-Country Collaboration

How can technology increase opportunities for student collaboration? At two schools–FDR Middle School in Bristol, Pa. and Carroll Middle School in Raleigh, N.C., two English teachers decided to seize the opportunity to connect their English classes. Each teacher facilitated the connection between these two classes in different parts of the country. Students met virtually and paired up to edit each other’s work. In addition to working on this assignment, the students were able to learn about the differences in their communities and make new friends in a different state.

Produced by Ian McClerin, Storyteller at Carroll Middle School and PreEminent Charter School

This project also provided a learning opportunity around technical issues. The teachers discovered that they weren’t able to connect using video chat, and were forced to troubleshoot to find a different way for the students to connect with each other. Despite the initial frustration, they were able to find a creative solution and learn through failure.

Produced by Ian McClerin, Storyteller at Carroll Middle School and PreEminent Charter School