Monster Match Marathon

November 1, 2006

Monster Match 2006 was a HUGE success! I really got into the theme this year. Not only is Shane great as our Video Network Engineer, but he is also responsible for the backdrop. (Thank you, SHANE!!!)

The final count–14 campuses, 62 classes with 1245 students. Visit www.edlink12.net for complete project details. I sent a follow-up email to the teachers and asked them to rate the program and enter their comments. You can see those on the project details page.

I moderated 16 of the connections and was amazed at the creativity of the teachers and the excitement of the students. Here are the beginnings of “Best Practices for Monster Match” so that we will be able to improve how to present the monster and read the descriptions.

What Works Well

Have students practice reading their parts before the videoconference.
Show the monster as someone reads the description.
Make sure that the monster is stationary during the videoconference.
Use two presets…one on the monster and one on the whole class. You can also set one on a place where students will be reading.