TechQuest Evaluation

Given what I learned from this TechQuest, next time I approach a project of this type I would tackle my research a little differently. It was difficult to know where to begin so I just started searching how others used technology for my similar dilemma. I didn’t find those searches to be particularly useful. I found it much more useful to start thinking about what I already had available to me as far as resources at my school. As I researched those resources and ways to use them, I discovered other programs, often free downloads, people used for similar projects such as Microsoft Photo Story 3.

Grants are available, but if your problem can be solved using what you already have then go for it! I learned a lot more about the resources my school has ready and waiting for teachers to use such as Kidspiration through this project. Your school may already have what you are seeking. If not seek out a grant.

If I were to do this same project again, I would add an element in phase 2 for students to record their voices as they talk about their story in a prewriting setting. I was inspired by fellow group member Dina Matasovsky’s research and TechQuest project. She is implementing a Recording Studio into her classroom. I endeavor to do the same in my classroom through writing a grant for digital recorders as she mentions in her paper.

I would also add more mini lessons to Phase 4:Revising. There are so many different things you can do to a story to add style and voice. It would be useful for teachers to have a stock pile of revision mini lessons at hand to choose from.

In reflection, my students took writing more serious than ever before once they learned how they were going to digitally publish their stories. I saw beautiful thoughts and detailed sentences coming from my first graders. Next school year I look forward to implementing the TechQuest in its entirety and hopefully convincing my first grade team to all take part in this quest for improving our children’s writing using technology!