July 2008 — Case Studies
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Elementary Schools : Washington : Peer to Peer
Moodle, a virtual learning environment. Here, discussion threads relate observations, experiences, and new opinions about pedagogy. Teachers share what worked and ask each other how to improve.Regional goes global on the Microsoft Innovative Teachers Network, where peer coaches publish teaching and learning resources as they interact with educators all over the world. The state of Washington's peer coach trainers integrate this channel into the way their peer coaches work and connect with each other.
Brenda Ward, principal of Barnes Elementary, says that technology integration without peer coaching puts another burden on teachers-- it's one more thing they must know and apply. "Teachers can empathize with the learning curve of a fellow educator," Ward says. "This empathy is the great strength of peer coaching. With a mentor close by, teachers lead each other from concept to practice, at the right pace at the right time."
In Bratt's classroom, the student who visited Century, FL, shares a remarkable find: She passed a school that bears the same name as her teacher. Bratt's students decide to send an e-mail to the school's third-grade class to call out this surprising common ground. They find the teacher's e-mail address on the staff list, and the writing lesson picks up again.
Dear students in third grade,
This spring break, one of our classmates visited your town and drove by your school. She was very surprised to see that the name of your school is the same as our teacher, Mrs. Bratt.
Century looks like a nice place. We live in Kelso, WA. We would like to find out more about your school and Florida. We hope you can e-mail back to us.
Dennis Small is the educational technology director for the state of Washington's Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
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