Review of Project by Dr John Turner

[Dr J Turner]

Greetings 21st Century teachers and students.
As someone who has been involved in several Flat Classroom projects in the past I thought I would have a look over your work to date and provide some input from one who's been there.

Some reflections
- this project always seems confusing at times because it is so new, so inter-connected and so 'out there' But the value for learning in so many new ways always makes your efforts worth it. So keep going.
- don't try and reinvent the wheel. The aim should be to add value (quality beats rehashed quantity any time). So use the resources available such as previous project (http://flatclassroomproject2008.wikispaces.com/) and summaries provided by others (http://wikisummaries.org/The_World_Is_Flat). Aim to add your own personal addition.
- every little bit you add is of value. Be conscious of your team members. Work with them and do your bit
- this project is not about a learning end point. It is only limited by the time end point. So time management is an important skill to make sure wiki work and video work is completed on time. If that means ending up with less than you originally intended so be it. Just make sure you leave your imprint.
- an important part of the project is working in virtual teams. Teamwork means being in contact with each other; learning about each other with respect; and respect for the work of others. This is what jobs are about these days: combining to add value
- keep an eye on what other groups are doing. As well as learning from their contributions you also can see where your group in relation to the efforts of others. This can mean extra-efforts are required on occasion (Believe me it is worth it and appreciated by others)
- start planning your video and just video it asap. We worked on expectation that not all outsourced video requests would be answered. Perhaps you might surpass this, but it's a good idea to plan that outsourced video may or may not be available in time. Video should be entertaining and informing. Once again, quality over quantity any time.

Secondly, I have a quick look at each topic area and hope the following can be of some help
1. Connecting the World Online (CWO) - Background is good. Need to add some insights from your part of the world on current news and areas of impact (I saw something about Google Latitudes on CNN yesterday; worth a look)
2. World Wide Web (WWW) - Some great graphics and the Arts & Entertainment section. Needs some researched details. Have you tried Googling "Web 3.0" There's an interesting Wikipedia link (Don't forget to reference correctly)
3. Workflow Software (WFS): Some good explanations. Always a difficult area. Have you tried asking your parents about how when they work with others and share information what software they use.
4. Uploading: The Changing Shape of Information (CSI) Good reference to Youtube. Need to follow this up to link to topic areas. I find now that tutorials and reports are increasingly in video form. as an old fashioned learning (known as a digital immigrant) I prefer text for my information form. What is your view?
5. Web 2.0 (W20) Great graphic at the top (Isn't it cool). Need to follow up with examples - there so many. Try and link to how Web 2 is used close to where you are (school, home, work)
6. Globalisation and Outsourcing (G&O) Not much there yet. Have you guys outsourced the page? If so just report it. Otherwise need to get moving. A Web search is a good place. I know of company's that outsourced their secretaries to India where recorded letters were professionally published. Have you seen Slumdog Millionaire yet. It is about a Mumbai call centre worker whose technology contacts and knowledge help him get on who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Had a funny scene where he was trying to advise a Scottish caller on Scotland landmarks
7. Google (GGL) Like the Google Hot Rod (perhaps the graphic could be a bit smaller). So much available on how Google is affecting the world (Google Latitude, Google Street View) Let's hear what you are interested in and think we should know about. Good to see referencing
8. PLEs and Social Networking (PLE&SN): Good to see the area of impact work (and the referencing). How about something on how PLEs are linked to mobile technologies. I have Facebook on my iPhone and even if I'm nearly half a world away from home (which I am as I write from Doha) I can keep in contact. I write this as I await a video Skype call (for the connection group as well)
9. Mobile and Ubiquitous (M&U): Read 8. Well done on the content. Need to add some referenced material. My iPhone has changed the way I work and live. From YouTube to facbook to online Games, my only limitation is battery power. I even download TV programs that I would have missed in Australia to see on my iPhone through my iTunes link.
10. Virtual Communication (VCom) Good gto see the report on the project in the German School (A good example for others). Need to start tightening up the page and fill in gaps to make the story flow. Keep up the good work.
11. Wireless Connectivity (WCon): Need to tighten up the history part and add some current examples (from school, home, work or country) - make it real.

As the wiki is due to be as close to finished as possible by the end of this coming week it is time to fill in holes and start cleaning up pages to make them as presentable as possible (remember, you aren't judged by how much you add; it's about a short, engaging overview with personal input. Don't forget to reference correctly any work taken from sources. And make sure you don't just copy and paste.

All of this applies as much to teachers as students (as we are all learners in the Flat Classroom)
I hope some of this can be of some assistance. I look forward to seeing your work unfold.
Regards
Dr Turner

[Haneen]

Thanks alot for the feedback!

[Salim_Al-Busaidi]

Thanks Dr. Turner for your feedback. As Suzie said, sharing these tips with our students will help them a lot, and that's what I am planning to do.

Regards,
Salim Al-Busaidi

[Suzie Nestico]

Thank you for the feedback, Dr. Turner. I plan to share the feedback with my students first thing on Monday! It is always so helpful to have feedback from an outside perspective.

Sincerely,
Suzie Nestico