Donette's+Safety+Instruction

 =**LESSON **=

This is part of an 8th grade nutrition research and presentation unit. The students “teach” the content to each other.

** Objective: **
Students will be able to apply safe and ethical practices when using a Wiki to collaborate on a group nutrition presentation.

** Technology: **
Students will be using Wikis to share research and develop a presentation (lesson) about nutritional benefits of specific food groups.

** Description: **
Students will work in teams (one student from each of three classes) to research and “teach” nutritional information about an assigned food group. They will be responsible for teaching other classmates the required information in such a way that all students can pass a summative assessment (notes quiz).

** Process: **
Review and background nutrition information will have been previously taught. 1-2 days. Assign and general outline for research/teaching project. Students will have access to the assignment description and general directions in hard copy form as well as access via Blackboard.

Prior to beginning research class will discuss appropriate practices when using web 2.0 tools. Brainstorm and discuss:
 * Collaborating with students in different classes, students will search the web for answers to specific questions concerning their assigned food groups. Teams will develop a lesson, using appropriate **//visual aids//**, and “teach” classmates the information collected.
 * The information will be collected via a Wiki. The information must be summarized and the sources must be sited or linked to the Wiki.
 * Students will post their contributions by using different font colors, so the teacher can easily see individual contributions to the project. Information cannot be deleted, unless it is repetitive or has been summarized for clarity or overall continuity of the project. All additions and/or changes must have a comment posted to the history comment feature.
 * Visual aids can use any medium…posters, samples, hands-on, student activities, multi-media, etc. Post a request for teacher approval via the discussion tab for your Wiki page.
 * Safe vs. unsafe internet practices
 * Appropriate vs. inappropriate collaboration/communication via web
 * Ways to handle uncomfortable, unsafe, inappropriate online interaction

Begin project. Interesting link with lots of resources for teaching internet safety: []

=**Permission Letter **= Dear Parent, As part of the 8th grade nutrition unit, students will be using Wikis to collaborate as they research and plan a lesson about nutritional benefits of food groups. You are welcome to view the organization for this project in their class notebook or on my Blackboard teacher page.

Most Wikis are internet-based collaboration tools that allow others to share and change information on a particular page. I will be establishing our class Wiki, via the district’s Blackboard area, where our students will be working. I will be providing computer access for two class periods to allow students to work on this project, but students are encouraged to work on this project on their own time at home.

Because we are using our district server-based Wiki, security protocols are in place that will help minimize risks to students as they interact in this manner. However, I have used this opportunity to discuss with students what actions are considered safe and appropriate when using web-based tools such as wikis, blogs, social networks, etc.

You can help by discussing these issues with your child as well. Encourage your child to be an active and positive part of the collaboration process and to act respectfully and appropriately while they work on this project.

If you’d like more information about cyber-safety, this website provides some good information: [].

After you and your student have reviewed this information, please sign the Wiki contract and return it to me.

Sincerely, Mrs. Yeilding

As participants in interactive, web-based, learning tools we must recognize that we are responsible for our actions in the process. You are expected to:
 * Statement of Understanding **
 * Use practices that will create a safe environment for you…protect your personal identity.
 * Use appropriate communication and collaboration techniques.
 * Summarize information found on the web on the wiki and site the source or provide a link.
 * Contribute your “fair share” to the group effort…use your own identifying font color to demonstrate your contributions.
 * Remember that information cannot be deleted, unless repetitive or summarized. All additions/changes must be noted.

I agree to uphold these conditions: I agree to support my child in this effort.

__________________________ ___________________________ Student Parent