Why SURF’S UP!©

Nancy Barkhouse

Halifax Regional School Board

Nova Scotia

SURF’S UP!

Students

Using

Radio

Facilities for

Sharing

Unique

Perspectives

Presentation• What was it?• How/why did it come to be?

• CPBL• Motivation• Benefits of Audio• Build Confidence Through Genuine Achievement• Learning to Learn• Because …• Lessons Learned• Snapshots

CollaborativeProblem Based

Learning

Collaborative

• Students chose teams• Teacher assigned teams• Auditions for initial shows• Groups focused - “with a mission”• Class decisions:

• Topics• Format• Interviewees and questions• Program themes

Problem Based

• Authentic tasks

• Real deadlines

• Genuine feedback

• Scaffolding

Learning

• With/from peers, teachers, others

• Media literacy

• Bias/prejudice

• Stereotypes

• Neutrality

Motivation

Motivation

• Engage learners

• Involve community members

• Involve parents

• Invite other classes

• “Pioneer” perks• Media attention• Patience and support from interviewees

Benefits of Audio

Benefits of Audio

• No visual distractions

• Different learning styles

• Develop listening vs hearing

• Better communicators• Message must be understood with only one sense• No body language• No facial expressions• No reading lips• Lead to better writing?

Build Confidence Through Genuine Achievement

Build Confidence – Genuine Achievement

• Sink or swim, with support

• Increase responsibility

• Choice• To go on air or not• Select topics of interest

• No choice• Must prepare script material• Must meet deadlines

Learn Together

Learn Together

• Process new to me also

• Learn from/with students

• Help students learn how to learn

• Use of data projector for initial script development

Technology Integration

Technology Integration

• Different types of cassette recorders – conduct interviews and rehearse material

• Karaoke machine to rehearse material• Computers and “The Writer” to generate content• Microphones• Script production – printer, copier, binder• Video recording• Live broadcast equipment – 9 year old tech

Because It’s There!

Because It’s There!

• Novelty appeal

• Use it or lose it (CHCN)

• Don’t waste an opportunity

• Chance to apply theory from just completed Master of Online Education

Lessons Learned

Lessons Learned

• Fewer shows

• Shorter shows

• Internet webcast

• Collaborate/alternate with other schools

• Better communication with parents• Show clear links to curriculum outcomes• “Is” the program, is time on task not time wasted • Explain rational more throughly

Photos