summer learning

I discovered how long it can take to get anything done when there are distractions. I needed to add the information on my birthplace to the spreadsheet created for the class and I had to google information about my birthplace, famous person and fact. Since I left Germany at 6 months, I didn’t have any information and it took 4 or 5 minutes to identify the spelling of the place and then more time to get any information (other than weather.) Things seem to be easy—but not so much.
I created a practice document—pulled stuff off the budget and made up questions and a chart. I will have to work on finding out how to record/tabulate responses—just will take more time to look at other’s stuff.
I would use the spreadsheets to have my academic students keep up with assignments—much like we do. I think they would feel “rewarded” when they check off something as completed. I would like to use the presentations for basics on how to study—use what we have and create something for the department to share with all students. I also would like to create set “exam” review materials for all classes to reference—so it wouldn’t matter what teacher the student is assigned.
I would start with my Honors government students and let them edit a basic presentation.
Finally I would like to work up—with the department—something related to editorial cartoons and how to pull meaning from them. Each could select and add a favorite cartoon and guide the students through the analysis.