Brainstorming Poster

Students should create a poster similar to the following table. I find that working in groups larger than 3 leads to some students not getting involved. Teams can identify a writer or to ensure all participation, give each student a different colored marker and have each person contribute to the poster. After all classes have completed the exercise, I will post them around the room.

Keep the posters to be used on Day 3 when students prepare an Inspiration model. I have begun an example that is shown here. You can download a trial version of Inspiration or Kidspiration at http://www.inspiration.com. It is a great program, very inexpensive to teach kids how to model using graphic organizers.

When doing this poster, I would tell the students to make 3 columns but I would only tell them the title of the first column for the first 3 minutes. Write all the technology that student’s use. Give an example or two, video games, email, etc. Try to have them be specific rather than just writing computer. Then, after about 3 minutes, have them add the other two columns, positive and negative impact on their grades. Each item probably has a positive and a negative impact. Some impacts might be repeated. Again, give an example, i.e., video games take away study time as a negative, improve attention to detail (a possible positive.)