The goal: Increase reading, writing and technology skills, while trying to keep the interest of children.
The assignment: Have them write and produce podcasts and vodcasts - audio and video on demand clips that can be uploaded to a web site, in this case, Springville Elementary School's web site.
The outcome: Judge for yourself at www.springvillegi.wnyric.org/pods/Welcome.html
It's not unique, having students prepare work for the Internet. But at Springville, the fifth-graders are operating the video cameras and interviewing classmates, then putting them together in a package that is posted on the school web site.
And each of the 700 pupils should have the chance this year to write a story, record it and have that audio as well as artwork to go with placed on the website for Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa to see.
"The individual classroom teacher decides what project they want to do. In most instances, it's a writing project, because ELA is what we're here for," said Principal Scott Tellgren.
--- Barbara O'Brien