Wetlands Called a Playa

This article describes the connection between technology and relevant learning for students and teachers in a collaborative effort in Lubbock, Texas. University colleagues wanted children a... See More

This article describes the connection between technology and relevant learning for students and teachers in a collaborative effort in Lubbock, Texas. University colleagues wanted children and future teachers to learn more about playas to better understand their local environment: a type of wetland called a playa. The project was part of TechLinks, an implementation grant of a United States Department of Education–funded initiative entitled ‘Preparing Tomorrow’s Teachers to Use Technology’ (PT3). This article chronicles this interesting collaboration and includes some of the positive outcomes. It is an interesting approach for this unique environment.

A Successful Collaboration

Students from grades 4 through 6 studied by examining and collecting data about playas in Lubbock to determine if their school grounds could be potential sites for the development of recreat... See More

Students from grades 4 through 6 studied by examining and collecting data about playas in Lubbock to determine if their school grounds could be potential sites for the development of recreational skateboard parks. Through this PBL, college professions guided the elementary students using technology websites developed by college students, to gather and record data. Students indirectly learned about their local environment and how humans can impact the environment. This effort was a good collaboration between different groups.