Planning a handshake with Catalina, Jason and Caroline

[Lisette Casey]

What is a handshake and why is it important?

Handshakes are the first form of acknowledgement between two people or more.  They confirm that all involved are in agreement of what is to come.  Sometimes handshakes can seal a deal.  In a global project the handshake does just that.  We are introduced to others ready to embark on a similar voyage.  This handshake is exciting as it is often the first time many of the students in the project will interact with someone outside of their school, state, and even country.

Handshakes can take many forms.  The most common is a personal statement on a group site where all members convene.  Other members comment on statements and develop an online relationship with their cohorts. 

However, handshakes can also incorporate a variety Web 2.0 tools like wiki pages (student introductions,) blog posts, videos, talking avatars, etc... 

Why students at this age level need to create a handshake

Students need practice (time in the sandbox) interacting in appropriate ways with others they don't know online.  The handshake is very much the sandbox of which they will learn who their partners are and how to appropriately introduce themselves.  It's a learning space.  Students will make mistakes and these mistakes may be turned into lessons in digital citizenship. 

Remaining Questions

What type of handshake shall we create?  Options (please add to list) include:

• Voice Thread - 1 slide/person includes avatar/picture and verbal introduction
  
• Edmodo - Post from all group members
• Ning - Post/picture
• Avatar - Voki, WildThings, etc...

 

Further reflections as to what this handshake could be used for within the curriculum (once it is made)

Handshakes could serve as bios for group members on the wiki.

IF you have time and motivation we would love to see live examples of the handshake you design!

[Jason Graham]

Yes I still cant view the VT. Says I dont have access contact administrator.

Well I was thinking we could share 1 artifact that represents our class? Or maybe its an image of something? It would be one image only and at least give us something for our Ss to wonder about.

Im open to suggestions

[Catalina Valenzuela]

Hi Lissette, Jason and Caroline:

Where are we at with this project? I followed the instructions to share my VC with you and apparently it did not work. Do I try again?

Jason: I really like your suggestion of the artifact, could you please explain a little further? Thanks

Let me know what do I need to do.

PD Are you all in the US? What are your plans for Thanksgiving? I love that celebration and I am looking forward for a great cook out.

[Catalina Valenzuela]

Sorry Lissette.

I did what it said in the instructions.

Do you want to try on you VT and then I add mine?

[Lisette Casey]

Still not working, Catalina.  Sent you a message with my email.

Lisette

[Jason Graham]

So how to put the VT together? Do we send images to one person and they put it together and then we comments audio, video?

[Catalina Valenzuela]

I believe this link must work.

http://voicethread.com/share/3662288/

Please let me know if it does not.....

[Lisette Casey]

Jason and Cataline,

Yes, I'm having problems accessing the link as well due to insufficient privileges.  I believe we need to be invited.

[Catalina Valenzuela]

Hi:

I will check my VC.

I love the idea of the artifact....How could that work out? 

[Jason Graham]

Catalina

When I try to access your VT it tells me I dont have permission to view. Anyone else having this problem?

[Jason Graham]

Voicethread is fine by me.

Some ideas:

What is a handshake and why is it important?

• Handshakes are symbolic and also act as a 'record' of first official contact. This might be important when looking back at how the relationship/connection began.
• Handshakes can also be snail mail, or started through an artifcat to promote inquiry and wonderings of another group or class. Instead of telling all about yourself at one time, give the essentials and perhaps use an artifact to provoke new inquiries or wonderings as the relationship grows.