What
Both of us have developed multimedia projects that students create over the course of a semester. Students start with a core text and then elaborate on it, using visuals, audio, animation and/or hypertext in Microsoft Powerpoint presentations. Working with their texts closely, in detail, with focused attention, they come to understand the text more deeply. They add meaning to their initial understanding of the core text and thus demonstrate their mastery of the ideas beneath the surface. The process that they undertake teaches them how to approach such texts thoughtfully using the intellectual tools of the discipline.
Rachel
Theilheimer
Core
A personal story told by the student. Autobiographical, relating a memory from early childhood that seems significant or interesting to the student.
Connections
Reading and other research done during the semester that students link to points in the story and photographs and clip art that illustrate the story.
Reflections
Introductions to their presentations that say what they’ve learned and how their ideas have changed, and anonymous surveys the complete at mid-semester and the end of the class.
Joe
Ugoretz
Core
A poem selected by the student, sometimes written by the student, that student has chosen for her own reason (because it is meaningful, is short, has a tone or topic the student likes, or has simple language).
Connections
Images that relate to segments of the poem as well as background, transitions, music, and font choices that reflect the student’s understanding of the poem’s meaning.
Reflections
Notes on each PowerPoint slide and an end of semester survey that elaborate their process. They also discuss their projects informally with fellow students as they work.
