Wonder WorkshopBased on the idea of 20% time, Wonder Workshop was developed in order to encourage students to own their learning, and follow their individual inquiries. The few expectations include curiosity, growth and a commitment to their own learning. As the teacher, I force myself to step back, to observe and allow the students to wind their own path. I have no set idea of what the time will involve, or expectation for a final product. The students know that it is about the journey, about them as a learner and that they are empowered. At times, in my role as teacher it may appear that a student is a bit lost, or not using the time wisely, but I ensure I allow them this struggle - for me, this is often where most of their learning will occur. Asking questions that keep turning solution finding and inquiry over to them is a must. This opportunity to observe the students application of skills often guides and informs my planning of mini lessons across the curriculum. The students can articulate it best.
Although iStopMotion can be used for many different formal learning purposes in the classroom, sometimes the best things come from little to no guidelines at all. Nicky Bourgeois, a homeroom teacher at NIST International School in Thailand, allows students some “personalized learning time” during the day, or as she calls it, the “Wonder Workshop.” During this free time, students are able to explore classroom tools and activities that might go unused during the day.
Nicky shared with us the work of three of her students, all of whom have been using iStopMotion regularly to develop their stories and animations 100% independently. (Sydnie from Boinx Software)
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