Tuesday, April 28, 2009

When I grow up…

*Student Choice for Technology

Related METs:

SOCIAL, ETHICAL, AND HUMAN ISSUES
2. discuss how information and communication technology supports collaboration, productivity, and lifelong learning
10. explore various technology resources that could assist in pursuing personal goals
11. identify technology resources and describe how those resources improve the ability to communicate, increase productivity, or help achieve personal goals
TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS
1. know how to use menu options in applications to print, format, add multimedia features; open, save, manage files; and use various grammar tools (e.g., dictionary, thesaurus, spell-checker)
2. know how to insert various objects (e.g., photos, graphics, sound, video) into word processing documents, presentations, or web documents
3. use a variety of technology tools and applications to promote creativity
TECHNOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS TOOLS
2. use a variety of media and formats to create and edit products (e.g., presentations, newsletters, brochures, web pages) to communicate information and ideas to various audiences
3. identify how different forms of media and formats may be used to share similar information, depending on the intended audience (e.g., presentations for classmates, newsletters for parents)
TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH TOOLS
1. use Web search engines and built-in search functions of other various resources to locate information
6. compare and contrast the functions and capabilities of the word processor, database, and spreadsheet for gathering data, processing data, performing calculations, and reporting results

Skype

Technology Used: www.Skype.com

Related METs:

TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS
11. identify technology resources and describe how those resources improve the ability to communicate, increase productivity, or help achieve personal goals
TECHNOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS TOOLS
1. use basic telecommunication tools (e.g., e-mail, WebQuests, IM, blogs, chat rooms, web conferencing) for collaborative projects with other students

Classroom Typing Software and Technology Discussions

Technology Used: Typing Softward

Related METs:

BASIC OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS
5. know proper keyboarding positions and touch-typing techniques
TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH TOOLS
2. describe basic guidelines for determining the validity of information accessed from various sources (e.g., web site, dictionary, on-line newspaper, CD-ROM)
3. know how to independently use existing databases (e.g., library catalogs, electronic dictionaries, encyclopedias) to locate, sort, and interpret information on an assigned topic
4. perform simple queries on existing databases and report results on an assigned topic
5. identify appropriate technology tools and resources by evaluating the accuracy, appropriateness, and bias of the resource
TECHNOLOGY PROBLEM-SOLVING AND DECISION-MAKING TOOLS
1. use technology resources to access information that can assist in making informed decisions about everyday matters (e.g., which movie to see, which product to purchase)

Student Inquiries

*Student Choice for Technology

Related METs:

TECHNOLOGY PROBLEM-SOLVING AND DECISION-MAKING TOOLS
2. use information and communication technology tools (e.g., calculators, probes, videos, DVDs, educational software) to collect, organize, and evaluate information to assist with solving real-life problems (personal or community)
BASIC OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS
6. manage and maintain files on a hard drive or the network
7. demonstrate proper care in the use of hardware, software, peripherals, and storage media
9. identify which types of software can be used most effectively for different types of data, for different information needs, or for conveying results to different audiences
10. identify search strategies for locating needed information on the internet
11. proofread and edit writing using appropriate resources (e.g., dictionary, spell check, grammar check, grammar references, writing references) and grade level appropriate checklists both individually and in groups
SOCIAL, ETHICAL, AND HUMAN ISSUES
4. discuss the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, and bias of electronic information sources
7. use age-appropriate citing of sources for electronic reports
TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS
1. know how to use menu options in applications to print, format, add multimedia features; open, save, manage files; and use various grammar tools (e.g., dictionary, thesaurus, spell-checker)
2. know how to insert various objects (e.g., photos, graphics, sound, video) into word processing documents, presentations, or web documents
TECHNOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS TOOLS
2. use a variety of media and formats to create and edit products (e.g., presentations, newsletters, brochures, web pages) to communicate information and ideas to various audiences
3. identify how different forms of media and formats may be used to share similar information, depending on the intended audience (e.g., presentations for classmates, newsletters for parents)
TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH TOOLS
1. use Web search engines and built-in search functions of other various resources to locate information

Map Mashup

Technology Used: Google Maps

Related METs:

BASIC OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS
7. demonstrate proper care in the use of hardware, software, peripherals, and storage media
TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS
1. know how to use menu options in applications to print, format, add multimedia features; open, save, manage files; and use various grammar tools (e.g., dictionary, thesaurus, spell-checker)
2. know how to insert various objects (e.g., photos, graphics, sound, video) into word processing documents, presentations, or web documents

Scrapblog

Technology Used: www.scrapblog.com

Related METs:

BASIC OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS
7. demonstrate proper care in the use of hardware, software, peripherals, and storage media
TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS
1. know how to use menu options in applications to print, format, add multimedia features; open, save manage files; and use various grammar tools (e.g., dictionary, thesaurus, spell-checker)
2. know how to insert various objects (e.g., photos, graphics, sound, video) into word processing documents, presentations, or web documents

Google Docs

Technology Used: Google Docs

Related METs:

BASIC OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS
1. discuss ways technology has changed life at school and at home
2. discuss ways technology has changed business and government over the years
3. recognize and discuss the need for security applications (e.g., virus detection, spam defense, popup blockers, firewalls) to help protect information and to keep the system functioning properly
BASIC OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS
6. manage and maintain files on a hard drive or the network
7. demonstrate proper care in the use of hardware, software, peripherals, and storage media
8. know how to exchange files with other students using technology (e.g., e-mail attachments, network file sharing, diskettes, fl ash drives)
11. proofread and edit writing using appropriate resources (e.g., dictionary, spell check, grammar check, grammar references, writing references) and grade level appropriate checklists both individually and in groups
SOCIAL, ETHICAL, AND HUMAN ISSUES
1. identify cultural and societal issues relating to technology
3. discuss how various assistive technologies can benefit individuals with disabilities
SOCIAL, ETHICAL, AND HUMAN ISSUES
7. use age-appropriate citing of sources for electronic reports
TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS
1. know how to use menu options in applications to print, format, add multimedia features; open, save, manage files; and use various grammar tools (e.g., dictionary, thesaurus, spell-checker)
2. know how to insert various objects (e.g., photos, graphics, sound, video) into word processing documents, presentations, or web documents
3. use a variety of technology tools and applications to promote creativity
4. understand that existing (and future) technologies are the result of human creativity
5. collaborate with classmates using a variety of technology tools to plan, organize, and create a group project
TECHNOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS TOOLS
1. use basic telecommunication tools (e.g., e-mail, WebQuests, IM, blogs, chat rooms, web conferencing) for collaborative projects with other students
2. use a variety of media and formats to create and edit products (e.g., presentations, newsletters, brochures, web pages) to communicate information and ideas to various audiences
3. identify how different forms of media and formats may be used to share similar information, depending on the intended audience (e.g., presentations for classmates, newsletters for parents)
TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH TOOLS
1. use Web search engines and built-in search functions of other various resources to locate information
6. compare and contrast the functions and capabilities of the word processor, database, and spreadsheet for gathering data, processing data, performing calculations, and reporting results

Wiki

Technology Used: www.pbwiki.com

Related METs:

BASIC OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS
1. discuss ways technology has changed life at school and at home
2. discuss ways technology has changed business and government over the years
3. recognize and discuss the need for security applications (e.g., virus detection, spam defense, popup blockers, firewalls) to help protect information and to keep the system functioning properly
BASIC OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS
6. manage and maintain files on a hard drive or the network
7. demonstrate proper care in the use of hardware, software, peripherals, and storage media
8. know how to exchange files with other students using technology (e.g., e-mail attachments, network file sharing, diskettes, fl ash drives)
11. proofread and edit writing using appropriate resources (e.g., dictionary, spell check, grammar check, grammar references, writing references) and grade level appropriate checklists both individually and in groups
SOCIAL, ETHICAL, AND HUMAN ISSUES
1. identify cultural and societal issues relating to technology
3. discuss how various assistive technologies can benefit individuals with disabilities
SOCIAL, ETHICAL, AND HUMAN ISSUES
7. use age-appropriate citing of sources for electronic reports
TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS
1. know how to use menu options in applications to print, format, add multimedia features; open, save, manage files; and use various grammar tools (e.g., dictionary, thesaurus, spell-checker)
2. know how to insert various objects (e.g., photos, graphics, sound, video) into word processing documents, presentations, or web documents
3. use a variety of technology tools and applications to promote creativity
4. understand that existing (and future) technologies are the result of human creativity
5. collaborate with classmates using a variety of technology tools to plan, organize, and create a group project
TECHNOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS TOOLS
1. use basic telecommunication tools (e.g., e-mail, WebQuests, IM, blogs, chat rooms, web conferencing) for collaborative projects with other students
2. use a variety of media and formats to create and edit products (e.g., presentations, newsletters, brochures, web pages) to communicate information and ideas to various audiences
3. identify how different forms of media and formats may be used to share similar information, depending on the intended audience (e.g., presentations for classmates, newsletters for parents)
TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH TOOLS
1. use Web search engines and built-in search functions of other various resources to locate information
6. compare and contrast the functions and capabilities of the word processor, database, and spreadsheet for gathering data, processing data, performing calculations, and reporting results

PowerPoint

Technology Used: Microsoft PowerPoint

Related METs:

BASIC OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS
6. manage and maintain files on a hard drive or the network
7. demonstrate proper care in the use of hardware, software, peripherals, and storage media
11. proofread and edit writing using appropriate resources (e.g., dictionary, spell check, grammar check, grammar references, writing references) and grade level appropriate checklists both individually and in groups
TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS
1. know how to use menu options in applications to print, format, add multimedia features; open, save, manage files; and use various grammar tools (e.g., dictionary, thesaurus, spell-checker)
2. know how to insert various objects (e.g., photos, graphics, sound, video) into word processing documents, presentations, or web documents
3. use a variety of technology tools and applications to promote creativity
4. understand that existing (and future) technologies are the result of human creativity
5. collaborate with classmates using a variety of technology tools to plan, organize, and create a group project
TECHNOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS TOOLS
2. use a variety of media and formats to create and edit products (e.g., presentations, newsletters, brochures, web pages) to communicate information and ideas to various audiences

Shelfari

Technology Used: www.shelfari.com

Student Portfolios

Technology Used: www.weebly.com

Related METs:

TECHNOLOGY PROBLEM-SOLVING AND DECISION-MAKING TOOLS
4. know how to use basic input/output devices and other peripherals (e.g., scanners, digital cameras, video projectors)
BASIC OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS
6. manage and maintain files on a hard drive or the network
7. demonstrate proper care in the use of hardware, software, peripherals, and storage media
8. know how to exchange files with other students using technology (e.g., e-mail attachments, network file sharing, diskettes, fl ash drives)
11. proofread and edit writing using appropriate resources (e.g., dictionary, spell check, grammar check, grammar references, writing references) and grade level appropriate checklists both individually and in groups
SOCIAL, ETHICAL, AND HUMAN ISSUES
10. explore various technology resources that could assist in pursuing personal goals
11. identify technology resources and describe how those resources improve the ability to communicate, increase productivity, or help achieve personal goals
TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS
1. know how to use menu options in applications to print, format, add multimedia features; open, save, manage files; and use various grammar tools (e.g., dictionary, thesaurus, spell-checker)
2. know how to insert various objects (e.g., photos, graphics, sound, video) into word processing documents, presentations, or web documents
3. use a variety of technology tools and applications to promote creativity
4. understand that existing (and future) technologies are the result of human creativity
TECHNOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS TOOLS
2. use a variety of media and formats to create and edit products (e.g., presentations, newsletters, brochures, web pages) to communicate information and ideas to various audiences

Creative Commons

Technology Used: www.creativecommons.com

Related METs:

BASIC OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS
8. know how to exchange files with other students using technology (e.g., e-mail attachments, network file sharing, diskettes, flash drives)
SOCIAL, ETHICAL, AND HUMAN ISSUES
5. discuss scenarios describing acceptable and unacceptable uses of technology (e.g., computers, digital cameras, cell- phones, PDAs, wireless connectivity) and describe consequences of inappropriate use
6. discuss basic issues regarding appropriate and inappropriate uses of technology (e.g., copyright, privacy, file sharing, spam, viruses, plagiarism) and related laws
7. use age-appropriate citing of sources for electronic reports
TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH TOOLS
1. use Web search engines and built-in search functions of other various resources to locate information

Digital Story

Technology Used: www.voicethread.com

Related METs:

TECHNOLOGY PROBLEM-SOLVING AND DECISION-MAKING TOOLS
4. know how to use basic input/output devices and other peripherals (e.g., scanners, digital cameras, video projectors)
BASIC OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS
6. manage and maintain files on a hard drive or the network
7. demonstrate proper care in the use of hardware, software, peripherals, and storage media
8. know how to exchange files with other students using technology (e.g., e-mail attachments, network file sharing, diskettes, fl ash drives)
11. proofread and edit writing using appropriate resources (e.g., dictionary, spell check, grammar check, grammar references, writing references) and grade level appropriate checklists both individually and in groups
TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS
1. know how to use menu options in applications to print, format, add multimedia features; open, save, manage files; and use various grammar tools (e.g., dictionary, thesaurus, spell-checker)
2. know how to insert various objects (e.g., photos, graphics, sound, video) into word processing documents, presentations, or web documents
3. use a variety of technology tools and applications to promote creativity
4. understand that existing (and future) technologies are the result of human creativity
5. collaborate with classmates using a variety of technology tools to plan, organize, and create a group project
TECHNOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS TOOLS
1. use basic telecommunication tools (e.g., e-mail, WebQuests, IM, blogs, chat rooms, web conferencing) for collaborative projects with other students
2. use a variety of media and formats to create and edit products (e.g., presentations, newsletters, brochures, web pages) to communicate information and ideas to various audiences

Digital Photography

Technology Used: www.picnik.com

Related METs:

TECHNOLOGY PROBLEM-SOLVING AND DECISION-MAKING TOOLS
4. know how to use basic input/output devices and other peripherals (e.g., scanners, digital cameras, video projectors)
BASIC OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS
6. manage and maintain files on a hard drive or the network
7. demonstrate proper care in the use of hardware, software, peripherals, and storage media
8. know how to exchange files with other students using technology (e.g., e-mail attachments, network file sharing, diskettes, fl ash drives)
TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS
1. know how to use menu options in applications to print, format, add multimedia features; open, save, manage files; and use various grammar tools (e.g., dictionary, thesaurus, spell-checker)

Student Blogs

Technology Used: www.blogger.com

Related METs:

TECHNOLOGY PROBLEM-SOLVING AND DECISION-MAKING TOOLS
4. know how to use basic input/output devices and other peripherals (e.g., scanners, digital cameras, video projectors)
BASIC OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS
6. manage and maintain files on a hard drive or the network
7. demonstrate proper care in the use of hardware, software, peripherals, and storage media
8. know how to exchange files with other students using technology (e.g., e-mail attachments, network file sharing, diskettes, fl ash drives)
11. proofread and edit writing using appropriate resources (e.g., dictionary, spell check, grammar check, grammar references, writing references) and grade level appropriate checklists both individually and in groups
SOCIAL, ETHICAL, AND HUMAN ISSUES
5. discuss scenarios describing acceptable and unacceptable uses of technology (e.g., computers, digital cameras, cell- phones, PDAs, wireless connectivity) and describe consequences of inappropriate us
TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS
2. know how to insert various objects (e.g., photos, graphics, sound, video) into word processing documents, presentations, or web documents
3. use a variety of technology tools and applications to promote creativity
4. understand that existing (and future) technologies are the result of human creativity
5. collaborate with classmates using a variety of technology tools to plan, organize, and create a group project
TECHNOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS TOOLS
1. use basic telecommunication tools (e.g., e-mail, WebQuests, IM, blogs, chat rooms, web conferencing) for collaborative projects with other students
2. use a variety of media and formats to create and edit products (e.g., presentations, newsletters, brochures, web pages) to communicate information and ideas to various audiences

Classroom Blog

Technology Used: www.blogger.com

Related METs:

TECHNOLOGY PROBLEM-SOLVING AND DECISION-MAKING TOOLS
4. know how to use basic input/output devices and other peripherals (e.g., scanners, digital cameras, video projectors)
BASIC OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS
6. manage and maintain files on a hard drive or the network
7. demonstrate proper care in the use of hardware, software, peripherals, and storage media
8. know how to exchange files with other students using technology (e.g., e-mail attachments, network file sharing, diskettes, fl ash drives)
11. proofread and edit writing using appropriate resources (e.g., dictionary, spell check, grammar check, grammar references, writing references) and grade level appropriate checklists both individually and in groups
TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS
2. know how to insert various objects (e.g., photos, graphics, sound, video) into word processing documents, presentations, or web documents
3. use a variety of technology tools and applications to promote creativity
4. understand that existing (and future) technologies are the result of human creativity
5. collaborate with classmates using a variety of technology tools to plan, organize, and create a group project

iGoogle/ RSS Feeds

Technology Used: iGoogle/ RSS Feeds

METs:
BASIC OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS
7. demonstrate proper care in the use of hardware, software, peripherals, and storage media
10. identify search strategies for locating needed information on the internet
TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH TOOLS
1. use Web search engines and built-in search functions of other various resources to locate information

Gmail

Technology Used: Google Mail- www.gmail.com

METs:
BASIC OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS
8. know how to exchange files with other students using technology (e.g., e-mail attachments, network file sharing, diskettes, fl ash drives)
SOCIAL, ETHICAL, AND HUMAN ISSUES
10. explore various technology resources that could assist in pursuing personal goals
11. identify technology resources and describe how those resources improve the ability to communicate, increase productivity, or help achieve personal goals
TECHNOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS TOOLS
1. use basic telecommunication tools (e.g., e-mail, WebQuests, IM, blogs, chat rooms, web conferencing) for collaborative projects with other students

Wordle

Technology Used:
www.wordle.net

METs:
BASIC OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS
11. proofread and edit writing using appropriate resources (e.g., dictionary, spell check, grammar check, grammar references, writing references) and grade level appropriate checklists both individually and in groups
SOCIAL, ETHICAL, AND HUMAN ISSUES
6. discuss basic issues regarding appropriate and inappropriate uses of technology (e.g., copyright, privacy, file sharing, spam, viruses, plagiarism) and related laws
7. use age-appropriate citing of sources for electronic reports
TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS
1. know how to use menu options in applications to print, format, add multimedia features; open, save, manage files; and use various grammar tools (e.g., dictionary, thesaurus, spell-checker)
TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS
3. use a variety of technology tools and applications to promote creativity
4. understand that existing (and future) technologies are the result of human creativity
TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH TOOLS
1. use Web search engines and built-in search functions of other various resources to locate information

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Scavenger Hunt

The Internet can be a great tool for conducting research and locating information. Through the use of search engines, information can be found using keywords related to the topic. It is critical for students to have strong research skills, and learn how to effectively locate information on the Internet.
  • Search Engines
  • BASIC OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS
    10. identify search strategies for locating needed information on the internet
    SOCIAL, ETHICAL, AND HUMAN ISSUES
    4. discuss the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, and bias of electronic information sources
    TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH TOOLS
    1. use Web search engines and built-in search functions of other various resources to locate information

  • Search Engines to locate information on the Internet.
(3) Your major steps
  • When describing each steps, insert links to your artifacts or examples
(4) The Plan
What is a search engine?

Wikipedia says, "A Web search engine is a tool designed to search for information on the World Wide Web. The search results are usually presented in a list and are commonly called hits. The information may consist of web pages, images, information and other types of files. Some search engines also mine data available in newsbooks, databases, or open directories. Unlike Web directories, which are maintained by human editors, search engines operate algorithmically or are a mixture of algorithmic."

Our class defnition of search engine...

What is a Keyword?

Wikipedia says, "In computer programming, a keyword is a word or identifier that has a particular meaning to the programming language. The meaning of keywords — and, indeed, the meaning of the notion of keyword — differs widely from language to language.
Our class definition of keyword...

What search engines are available?
What tips can we create to locating information on the Internet?
Our class reccommends...
The Task:

* Spend some time exploring these search engines.
* "Google" your name or someone you know.
* Search for something you are interested in.
* Find out which search engine your prefer.
* Think about some of the reasons that make it your favorite.
* Complete the Scavenger Hunt: Scavenger Hunt.doc
* Use the search engines explored to find the answers.
* We are trying to locate the most efficient search methods to use in the Internet, so record the time that it takes you so that we can figure out as a class which search engine we would reccommend to others.
* We will share our results in small groups, and then as a class to work on our tips for locating information in the Internet.



(5) References
  • Jane Rice, Michigan State University SME 120
Scavenger Hunt

Student Contract

Student Contract: "Your safety is our #1 concern. The Student Contract is created to give you the tools and knowledge to use the Internet in a safe and professional manner. It is important to remember that the use of technology is not a right, but a privilege. Once signed this contract is active, and allows you to utilize technology to the full extent in our classroom. At any time this contract can be revoked if you break any of the guidelines."

METs:
SOCIAL, ETHICAL, AND HUMAN ISSUES
By the end of Grade 5 each student will:

5. discuss scenarios describing acceptable and unacceptable uses of technology (e.g., computers, digital cameras, cell-
phones, PDAs, wireless connectivity) and describe consequences of inappropriate use
6. discuss basic issues regarding appropriate and inappropriate uses of technology (e.g., copyright, privacy, fi le sharing, spam,
viruses, plagiarism) and related laws
8. identify appropriate kinds of information that should be shared in public chat rooms
9. identify safety precautions that should be taken while on-line
10. explore various technology resources that could assist in pursuing personal goals
11. identify technology resources and describe how those resources improve the ability to communicate, increase
productivity, or help achieve personal goals

TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS
By the end of Grade 5 each student will:
1. know how to use menu options in applications to print, format, add multimedia features; open, save, manage fi les; and
use various grammar tools (e.g., dictionary, thesaurus, spell-checker)

Technology Used:
Microsoft Word- document formatting pre-assessment
pbWiki- Class Collaboration- acts as outline of lesson storing related files and instructions
Google Doc- Classroom Gallery- Great place to organize lessons, while exposing students to another technology that is similar in formatting to Microsoft Word, but has the advantage of being able to access online

(3) The Lesson Plan: Using Frontpage of Wiki as visual aid:
  • Share the mission, discuss safety and professionalism expected.
  • THE PAST: Watch "The History of Technology" Video.
  • Discuss age of technology, what it means for this era of students. (5 min)
  • THE PRESENT: Walk through the Classroom Gallery, discussing different projects, what a Google doc is, and how they will use the Gallery to link to their projects. (5 min.)
  • Discuss the first task: the Student Contract
  • Walk through the guidline, sharing experiences, and soliciting student involvement in the discussion. (10 min)
  • Get started on the project- student work time 20-25 minutes.
  • *Remainder of work will be completed during alloted center times later in the week.
(4) A brief summary of your plan
  • I think this is a great way to set the expectations of proper use and safety early in the semester. This activity will offer a means of pre-assessing the students, as I keep a running record of their skills, how they work with their peers, and how they utilize the time.
  • As the teacher, I would write a cover letter to send home with this Student Contract. I think it is very important to keep communication open with parents about what is going on with their students. A classroom blog, and website, will be a tool to share what the students are learning, and also the steps that can be taken in terms of privacy online.
(5) References

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Technology Integration Plan

I see technology playing an increasingly important role in education in America. To be active as world citizens, and competitive in a global marketplace, students will continue to find technology used as a method of research, as a form of interactive communication and as a means of making our way of life more efficient and creative. It is my goal to make technology accessible, and an integrated part of the classroom routine and the educational experiences in my classroom. As we explore new technologies, I think that one of the most important roles of the teacher is to model appropriate Internet use practices. We all know that a lot of bad things can happen online, and I want my students to be equipped with the skills of how to use the Internet in a safe, non-destructive and appropriate manner.

My goal with this plan, is to create a Student Project Gallery, outline basic skills and technologies to address these skills along the way. One of the most exciting things about technology is that it can be used to connect with many types of learners, and can co-incide with the development of literacy skills, including read, writing, listening, viewing and speaking. All of these can be addressed, created and assessed through various technologies, along with research and communication skills for science and social studies, and math as well. I plan to create an outline of technologies to be taught, using both the METs and GLCEs for 4th grade as that is the grade that I will be teaching next year for my internship. For this project I will develop a few of the lessons, but the entire project will be fully developed by me this summer, and into next fall as I enter the classroom.

I have learned of the technologies available to me next year, and will be incorporating their use into the lessons. I understand that plans may change, and as I get to know my students certain skills may need to be addressed or developed. Also some students may know/ or learn these technologies at a different place, so some may be completed as a whole class, in small groups, individually in centers, and some even after school, or at home.

Many of these technologies will be used as a presentation medium for student research and inquiries, and also for reflections via blogs, and wikis. The expectations will be outlined for each lesson, however I would really encourage students to be creative and think outside of the box in terms of their use. The student gallery will act as the storage place for the project as they are developed, but I would eventually like the students to create their own web portfolio to house their work. This gallery can be accessed and shared at parent- teacher conferences, teacher evaluations, as well as future job interviews to demonstrate how I am integrating technology in my lessons, and how my students respond.

My plan is to scaffold the technologies as we go, building upon our skills as we go.

Student Contract: Terms of Use Policy
(this will be developed for the plan)

Scavenger Hunt
(Using Search Engines Pre-Assessment to be developed)

Wordle
(A form of word poetry. Students will complete a list of at least twenty words to describe their personalities, hobbies, and interest. They will create their Wordle, and then engage in a sharing with fellow classmates as a community building activity.)

Gmail Account
(Creating Professional and safe email addresses)

iGoogle-RSS Feed
(Create own home page, discuss RSS and locate feeds of interest for their iGoolge)

Classroom Blog
(Established as a class, to model and prepare them for building their own/ group blogs)


Student Blog
(Group or individual to be decided, as a place for forum, reflection and discussion)

Digital Photography and Photo Editing- Uploading a Photo
(The classroom just got a few new cameras, practice taking pictures, and using Picnik.com to edit, and then upload their image to student blogs)

Digital Stoy- Uploading an HTML
(Voicethread.com, group story of field trip, hike, project, plan, etc. upload the Voicethread to group/ student blogs/ or class Wiki for the project)

Creative Commons
(Learn the concept of Free Use, and how to properly cite others' work, as well as licensing their own.)

Book Club- Shelfari
(Learn to read and write book reviews, establish their own shelves

Student Portfolios
(One of the culminating technologies. To connect, and store students projects, a reflection of them as individuals)

Power Point

Wiki/ Google Docs

Scrapblog

Map Mashup

(Thinking Michigan History related)

Inquiry Project
This would be a student choice project to explore, try out one of these, and see what other students can do with it. They can choose from one that we have done, or find a new technology to share.)

My plan is to create my outline of technologies, incorporating the METs and GLCEs to build a introduction for the whole class and then allow time in the computer lab and during centers to complete the projects.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Ms. Sharp's Technology Podcasts

Welcome to Ms. Sharp's Technology Podcast!

Episode 1: HTML

Episode one is all about HTMLs. I will be discussing what the acronym stands for, what an HTML is, and how we can start to use HTMLs in our Technology Integration Projects.

Episode 2: Uploading HTMLs
This podcast offers step-by-step instructions for presentations, newsletters, brochures, web pages)
to communicate information and ideas to various audiences

METs
TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS
2. know how to insert various objects (e.g., photos, graphics, sound, video) into word processing documents, presentations,or web documents

TECHNOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS TOOLS
1. use basic telecommunication tools (e.g., e-mail, WebQuests, IM, blogs, chat rooms, web conferencing) for collaborative
projects with other students

2. use a variety of media and formats to create and edit products (e.g., presentations, newsletters, brochures, web pages) to communicate information and ideas to various audiences

3. identify how different forms of media and formats may be used to share similar information, depending on the intended audience (e.g., presentations for classmates, newsletters for parents)

For my internship next year I am going to be in a 4th grade classroom. I am preparing a Student Gallery of the related technologies that I would like to teach. These podcasts are intended to aid students as they complete the Digital Story project, as they use their photos to create a digital story, and will then learn how to upload their story to their blogs via an HTML.

I used the MAC program Garageband to create these podcasts. I found the program to be very manageable, and found the video tutorials on Apple.com to be very helpful. I would use this technology in the future. I can see the idea of creating "radio" broadcasts to be appealing to students, but I don't think that I would include it on a must-do for my technology integration. Rather, I may have it for a self-exploration, or introduce it to students interested in doing a class message, or broadcasts. I found it to be very difficult, and time consuming and confusing, so I really want to improve my skills at podcasting before I expect students to create one.
 
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Lake Michigan Sunset by Dillon Olsen is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License.