Laura's Lab: Feb 4

We administered a basic skills survey to find out how capable our students are. Most of them were able to fill out the surveys pretty easily. I think some of them were upset by how many skills they do not know how to do, but they were reassured that they will learn them as PeaceRooms progresses. I think teaching digital literacy skills will be an important aspect of the PeaceRooms program.

We finished the lesson with a typing test on the computer. Some enjoyed the challenge and wanted to keep trying—others were quickly bored or frustrated. Overall, they had pretty low typing scores. Hopefully this will improve over the course of the semester. Courtney and I are excited to start our virtual collaboration with students in Costa Rica in a few weeks and are brainstorming ways to really capture the students’ interest in their virtual friends. I continue to hope that raising their global awareness through a dynamic connection with kids in another culture will help these fifth graders become leaders for peace in the future.