Topic 8: Instructional Technology Example

Another lesson that I was able to see was one where students create a movie to show the substitute teacher when the regular teacher is out. The students became familiar with writing a script, filming themselves, and then arranging the video clips into a complete movie. They will then burn this for sharing with others. This was accomplished by introducing them to video and editing hardware and software and allowing students to create a project. Proficiency can be assessed through a checklist, a rubric, or simply by grading their written script.

I feel that the effectiveness of this lesson would be above average. The teacher addressed several different technologies by working on writing, reading, fluency, and technology skills all at once. I really liked the way that students would be proud to show their work to the substitute coming in.

Topic 7: Instructional Technology Example

I was fortunate enough to visit several seminars offered by the TATN at the TCEA conference in Austin last February. I was able to witness several technology related lessons from experienced teachers. This has been my most beneficial experience with viewing education technology lessons in the classroom.

The first lesson that I was able to see was one about compare and contrast. Students were able to learn how to compare and contrast two items and create a graphic organizer to represent those items. Students were taught with presentation software (PowerPoint) on the topic of compare and contrast. Students were assessed by creating their own graphic organizer on the computer where they had to compare two objects.

I feel that the effectiveness of this lesson would be average, meaning that there wouldn’t be an overwhelming understanding and excitement, from the students perspective but at the same time it would still engage students enough. Personally I would add more interactive components to the lesson, such as a interactive websites on the topic or other multimedia for students to experience

Topic 6 - Tech Skills: Spreadsheet

You can use a spreadsheet to set up tables of just textual information, its real usefulness lies in its ability to calculate formulas - and recalculate them automatically when values change. Spreadsheets are great for budgets, financial statements and other tasks that require calculations.

However in a classroom setting, spreadsheets can be used for numerous things. Some of the ideas that I have come across in my research are:

1. Use a spreadsheet to record and maintain classroom tasks. Assign classroom tasks or leadership roles to students, and use the spreadsheet to track which student has performed which task and/or held what leadership position.
2. Have a class representative record group points for end-of-week or end-of-month bonuses. The group that earns the most points, as shown on the spreadsheet, gets a reward, such as a pizza party. Have the class representative announce the winner. Consider awarding points for solving a difficult math problem at the board, volunteering to read or working together as a team.
3. Use a spreadsheet to track attendance. Explain that you will award a prize for perfect attendance. Include a row for each student, and mark any absences on the spreadsheet. At the end of the semester, award a prize to any students with perfect attendance.
4. Use a spreadsheet to determine whose turn it is to feed a class pet. Assign a new student per day, and post the spreadsheet so the students can track who is supposed to feed the pet each day. Include where the food is stored and how much food should be provided. Have each student confirm with a checkmark that he has followed the instructions correctly.
5. Use a spreadsheet to track lessons that lead up to a big test or end-of-semester exam. Post the spreadsheet in the classroom, and encourage the students to reference the spreadsheet to prepare for approaching lessons as well understand the direction of the course material. Provide the lesson topic, page numbers, sources for additional study materials and vocabulary.

The main funcation of spreadsheets is for numerical computations or storage. It is best used in this manner. If you have a need for storing and organizing words or concepts read my Topic 5 blog.

Topic 5 - Tech Skills: Database

Microsoft Access is one of the most powerful database software available. If a school instructional technology program includes database software, it will usually include Access. A big advantage of using Access is it's ability to run smoothly regardless of the size of entries.

Database software allows users to store, organize, and manipulate information such as text and numerical data. Databases are designed to work like electronic Rolodex, allowing quick and easy access to important information. Teachers can use databases to keep track of information that can change often, such as student information, schedule changes, and curriculum modifications. It also can help them send personalized letters to all students without having to memorize all the different addresses. Databases can help students learn how to research information quickly and properly using such search techniques as Boolean logic. Also, by having students develop their own databases, they learn organizational skills as well as how to differentiate between essential and non-essential information.

Creating a database of any kind requires students to critically think. Maintaining that same database requires students to revisit those initial levels of thought and move to a higher plane of thought. It enables students to reach higher levels of thinking as students:
1) identify unique characterisitcs of the data;
2) find qualities of the data to compare and contrast; and
3) take that same data and rank the importance of that data for themselves.

Topic 4: Tech Skill: Word Processor

Word processing is the most commonly used software tool in the elementary classroom. It can be used to create text documents that can be easily shard with others. You can insert text, graphics, charts, hyperlinks, and much more. Some ways to use word processing software with students is by having them create brochures, newsletters, or stories. Hey can easily collaborate together and edit their group work in this program. The teacher can use word processing software as a management tool in numerous ways also. I personally use word daily for parent communication notes, tables with student information, quick checklists, substitute plans, and much more.

There are numerous benefits to using a word processing program in the classroom. By having the students use one; it supports the learning of the writing process. It makes it easier to get started in writing, edit and revise writing, and increases student motivation to write. A word processor also uses a dynamic collaborative learning approach. Students can easily share and change works together. Lastly, a word processor in the classroom will allow meaningful, hands-on practice in many content areas. The ability to manipulate fonts and graphics encourages students to use this software in many subjects.

From the teacher’s stand point, make sure that you are fully prepared to teach the use of a word processor before assigning students to use it independently. Be sure to be fully prepared before you begin teaching. Have student examples or any other files readily accessible. Then, demonstrate, demonstrate, demonstrate! Modeling is very important for students to see the functions in the program and the common mistakes that users make on it. Last, assign small tasks at a time. For example, when I teach my students about using Microsoft Word we will only focus on one function at a time. I will have them create a document and focus on the ability to change and resize the font. Then in the next assignment we work on changes in font and add another function, like inserting an image. Building on the skills using baby steps has been a very efficient method for my class.

Topic 3: Model Classroom Lessons

How Many Shapes Are There?
In this lesson third graders combine their knowledge of shapes and literary descriptions to chart information in an Excel spreadsheet. I was very impressed with the fact that this lesson instructs students to create pictographs in an Excel spreadsheet. This lesson incorporates numerous skills such as reading comprehension, imagery, collecting data, charting data, and technology skills. It would be a wonderful lesson to teach if it were shorter. The lesson plan states that it would take 3 one-hour sessions in a lab. For a class like mine that visits a lab for only 30 minutes a day, it would take over a week for this one lesson. I would have to change the lesson to only last one or two days by cutting out some of the literature and having the students work in small groups for the graphing portion.

Multiplication: Can You Show It?
In this lesson third graders display their knowledge of the concept of multiplying through visual representations. I actually do a very similar lesson as this every year however I have not incorporated technology into it. I like the way that the students create a slideshow together as a class. It is a 21st century version of a class book and I could post it on the website for parents to see. I would change the lesson and upload the images into a Photostory. It is very easy to use and I like the fact that you can add music to enhance your presentation.

Flat Stanley Sees the World
In this lesson third graders work with social studies and literature to create a brochure that a character from a book would visit. My students have experience with Fat Stanley in second grade by reading the novel and sending their own Flat Stanley in the mail to others. This would be a great continuation of their previous lesson. I like how it builds on their previous knowledge but then it takes it a step further by having them create the next chapter of the story in a brochure. Students could also work in groups to collaborate and help each other in the word document. This would provide peer feedback and time conservation.

Pictures from:
http://www.cam.k12.il.us/ms/8th/jones/Multiplication.jpg
http://www.ziggityzoom.com/images/activities/shape_flashcards_1.gif
http://www.auburn.edu/~murraba/guides/flatstanley.gif