Student Generated Textbooks (A Collaborative Web 2.0 Project)

Does anyone have any experience with facilitating student learning through the development of an online "textbook"?

As is typically the case for middle school textbooks, our social studies world civilizations text is a mile wide and a half-inch deep. It hardly hits on the power standards we're required to address. And well, it's so last century.

I heard of classes learning about their content by creating their own textbooks and would like to give it a shot. But if at all possible, I'd prefer not to re-invent the wheel.

I have a basic working knowledge of wikis and such, but I wouldn't call myself an expert. I don't mind facilitating the journey without knowing everything. But I'd appreciate being able to learn from others mistakes and avoiding major pit falls if i can.

Anyone have any ideas, insights, wisdom, warnings, etc.?

Tags: generated, student, textbooks

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Permalink Reply by Ellena Bethea on July 4, 2010 at 9:39am

I am interested in this as well for high school science

I am using Google Apps for my chemistry courses next year. I am anticipating using Google Sites to publish lab results, group work and study guides created by students, so it may work for an overall "online text."

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Permalink Reply by Anthony VonBank on July 4, 2010 at 6:33pm

I used the Google Presentation tool this year for a similar project. I gave 10 groups 10 chapters (one each) to learn and teach to the class (H.S. level). I made a slide show with the chapter headings and subheading on each slide for things like main points, key terms, visuals/photos, and summary, and shared with all of them. Each week, one group worked a few days in the lab getting their slides together, and on Fridays that group would present. After each group had gone (10 weeks later), the whole class had access to all of the material, and we used the slides for reference and study periodically throughout the year. It also gave everyone the materials to review for tests. I could not have asked for a better result.

I wrote more specifics about the project at teachingwithgoogledocs.blogspot.com

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Permalink Reply by Pamela Jackson on July 5, 2010 at 6:23am

I read your blog but didn't see your process. Could you detail the process (step-by-step) in your blog or Edutopia, so that others can replicate this model. I liked that students were empowered to create a textbook; well done. As more districts, like ours, have no money for textbooks, this will provide a possible solution. Need to know: subject area, grade level(s), was subject taught before or as you went along, any rubric, classroom management, challenges (ei reading levels), differentiation. How did you assess during the 10 weeks? What changes occurred in your classroom? Was there a significant increase in test scores? Are you using the textbook next year or having students create or revise this one? It would help if your process read like a journal article, maybe put it on Scribd or slideshare w/some pages of your textbook so that others can see. Great work.

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Permalink Reply by Pamela Jackson on July 5, 2010 at 6:40am

I like the idea of a wiki since it collaborative, can be easily edited, and ideal for group work. Pbworks just had an online summer camp; you may wish to look at their site for some ideas. I would begin with one section of my classes first to create a textbook then move slowly to the others, as you work out the kinks; meanwhile you could still use a wiki for instruction in the other sections. Students can create polls, mapping, voicethreads, wordles, wallwishers,...to upload to the wiki. There are so many possibilities for learning.