EDUCATION BLOG

The goal of this interactive videoconference session is to allow students the opportunity to investigate, deduce, then synthesize by writing a creative version of the crime. Students will observe, interact, interview, and ultimately create and share during this program.

This ‘crime scene analysis’ distance learning program with author (and former teacher) Barri Bumgarner focuses on a writing exercise designed to be creative, deductive, and interactive. Students will see a portion of an episode of CSI. After viewing the initial crime scene footage, each writer will play investigator through a variety of interviews. Once they conducted each of their interviews, students will then write their version of what happened. This writing workshop videoconference is for 7-12 grades.

How does this work? Students will see a brief excerpt from an episode of CSI. After viewing the scene, each writer will be introduced by Barri to the various suspects and other people associated with both the victim and the suspects. Upon hearing and seeing this information, students will choose which 3 people they will “interview” (they will pull those people’s “jackets” and read about their specific details). Once they conducted each of their “interviews,” the student investigators will write their version of what happened.

The videoconference, lead by Barri, is available Friday, May 7, 2010. Space is still open, but please sign up by April 30. Videotaping/recording this videoconference is not allowed. The videoconference is $200 for New Links to New Learning members and $250 for nonmembers. There are two, 1 hour sessions available (all times Central Daylight Time):

• 8:30 a.m. for 9-12th graders (high school)
• 10 a.m. for 7-8th graders  (middle school)

Register here.