Wicked Problem: Part D - Findings and Implications.

1.  Formative assessment.  Did the project get implemented as planned?

Most of the elements of the project were implemented as planned.  The second part, the collaborative space was not wholly embraced by the students. I scaled that part of the project down due to substantial pushback by the students.

2.  Summative assessment.  Evidence of success in addressing the problem of practice.

I believe I began to see evidence of success of the project in two ways.  First the writing that the students posted to their blogs showed a determination to collect interesting facts and observations about their work in the classroom.  Some students demonstrated a lot of creative thinking, and then tried to apply their theories in the challenges and test trials.  Only a few seemed to slog through the writing and commenting requirements; which I expected.

The other evidence was more subtle.  In the classroom, I witnessed students communicating better within their workgroups.  Several groups attempted novel approaches to complete the challenges, and I witnessed more (helpful and healthy) inter-group communication rather than the usual secretive and competitive stances from the past.

3. 3. How would you approach another project of this type differently given what you’ve learned here?

   I would attempt to resolve the problem with one piece of technology at a time.  I realized I was basically using two approaches and two technologies to solve the problem, when I should have just focussed on one.  From this, one notable takeaway is to use technologies that can be used in different ways, rather than technologies that are really just single-use.  I also need to provide writing prompts for students.
   
   
   4. What are the lessons learned that others might benefit from knowing about?
   
   
   Blogs are a good communication tool to extend learning beyond the walls of the classroom.  They can be used in myriad different ways: as personal journals for reflective writing and group blogs for collaborative writing.
   
   In terms of solving a wicked problem, using a narrow focus with a technology is better than a broad or blank-slate approach.
   
   
   
   
   5. In what ways will you endeavor to do the same project again, and what will you change or not do?
   
   
   I expect to correct these problems by eliminating the collaborative space, and recalibrating the blogs as group blogs.  Posts containing individual recollections and reflections will still be required by each individual in addition to collaborative posts.  The students did not seem enthused with the blank-slate nature of the collaborative space, in terms of choice of tools and design aesthetics, so folding the collaborative work requirements into the blog tool seems to be the most reasonable approach.  For students who chafe at the lack of space to be aesthetically creative, I can offer Google Sites as an alternative for those that want to put in the extra effort.