Teachers need to be active participants in online projects for the project to have successful outcomes for their students. Activities include:
- regularly checking the Travel Buddy site,
- checking and responding to your emails daily,
- sharing your students work with other partipants,
- engaging your students in discussions and activities, and
- taking part in online chats and forums.
Students become very attached to their Travel Buddies. It is why they are so successful! So look after them as you would a special guest - it's more fun that way!
Steps
- When you receive your Travel Buddy approval (you have a password), visit the site with your students and ensure your details are up to date. Those details are seen by other participants and people who visit the site.
- Print off the Travel Itinerary and the Travel Buddy Mission/s. Display and discuss a plan with your students on how you will achieve the Mission goals.
- Check your Curriculum planning and timetable to book Internet access.
- Ensure your students have the skills and logins to use the site. If you require more student logins contact the Travel Buddy's Owner Teacher (although it's easier if students share a login - even in groups).
When your Travel Buddy arrives
- It usually comes by post, so ensure you know when it was posted and when it will arrive. Teachers of younger children usually 'pretend' it came by train or plane.
- Plan a welcoming party or other way to formally recognise your Travel Buddy has arrived.
- Have a timetable of activities for the Travel Buddy to do. These would include:
- Collecting data for their Mission
- Writing a dairy entry on the website daily
- Visiting students' homes and local places of interest
- Finally, when you have to say goodbye, ensure your Travel Buddy is posted on time to the next school. (One year 3 class even created their train ticket).
NOTE: You will be responsible for funding the cost of posting your Travel Buddy to the next school.
Make sure you value add to the learning program where ever possible. Your students will love your Travel Buddy and will have many ideas to improve their learnings.
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