Gang Induction

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Technology adapted Lesson Plan

The following lesson plan calls for students to compose a multi-paragraph essay about a single topic. Typically, during this lesson student are required to compose their assignments in a composition book. However, this assignment has been adapted using technology.

Objectives: Following this assignment, students will be able to compose a multi-paragraph essay using a word processing program. They will be able to create an e-mail account. Students will also be able to use the Webspiration web-site to brainstorm their topic. Student will be able send a document via e-mail. Students will be able to receive a message via e-mail, open the message and respond to the message.  

1.    Student's will compose a multi-paragraph essay and submit it to the teacher via e-mail. 

2.     In place of the composition book is a word processing program.

3.      Students are required to create a g-mail account;  pre-authorized by site administration and parents/guardian.

4.      Student will compose their essay using Google docs.

5.      For assistance with brainstorming students will use Webspiration and import it into Google docs.

6.      Students will then send the document to the teacher via e-mail.

7.      Teacher will correct essay and suggest changes via email.

8.      Finally, students will make changes and e-mail corrected document to teacher.

9.      This process will be repeated until teacher is satisfied with essay document and student's ability to use the required technology.

Question 3

3) How does current education practice apply both to 21st Century Learning Skills and Core Knowledge?

 Current education practice, if done correctly incorporates both 21^st century learning skills along with Core Knowledge. The core standards that are prescribed in all states are a prime example of Core knowledge being applied in the classroom. Most states also have technology standards from which teachers are directed to work from.  However, from my experience the technology standard definitely take a bake seat to the Core Knowledge. However, Universities are requiring students attempting to acquire a teaching credential to pass a technology class. For example, our fine state of California has required that all perspective teachers take a class on technology in the classroom.

http://blog.coreknowledge.org/2011/04/12/what-do-teachers-%e2%80%9cproduce%e2%80%9d/

http://www.21stcenturyskills.org.

Question 9

9) What does research say about using Interactive Whiteboards? What are the pros and cons? Would you want to have one in your classroom?

It appears that there has been quite a bit of research on interactive whiteboards in the classroom. However, research has been inconsistent with its findings. Some research has been 100% positive while other report data to the contrary. One thing that I did find was that a lot of research done on the Whiteboard has been funded by SmartTech, creators of the Whiteboard. This obviously cast a large shadow of doubt on the integrity of the study and the effectiveness of the Whiteboard. I currently have one of these whiteboard in my classroom, But it is not compatible with my computer, so I am prevented from fully using it in lessons. I like it, but having prior tech knowledge is absolutely pivitol.

http://www2.smarttech.com/NR/rdonlyres/2C729F6E-0A8D-42B8-9B32-F90BE0A746D8/0/Int_Whiteboard_Research_Whitepaper_Update.pdf

http://rmtc.fsdb.k12.fl.us/tutorials/whiteboards.html

Question 8

8) How does your current skill set compare to the NETS for teachers?

    I would say that I am above average based on the standards outlined in NETS,  I am comfortable using new technology and I have a strong base using it. However, I am well aware that I have much room for improvement. So much so, that I am going to take technology classes to max out my salary points. I can see how technology can assist and motivate, therefore I would like to enhance my skill as much as possible.

http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students.aspx

Question 6

6) How does motivation tie in to student success in the classroom? Give 3 examples of strategies to motivate today's students.

There are several factors that determine motivation. Internal factors include the characteristics, moods, and attitudes of the student.  These can be influenced by numerous factors.  Nonetheless, the task of motivating students still exsist. One strategy that has many applications is to spark student interest at the beginning of every lesson. This can be accomplished in numerous ways: realia, Q and A sessions that solicit students opinions, and tying in the students’ previous experiences to the lesson. Using video, technology and other equipment can motivate even the most stubborn of students.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/863582

Question 7

7) What are the NETS for students?

   NETS are technology standards for the academic classroom. These standards, developed in 2007, “identify higher-order thinking skills and digital citizenship as critical for students to learn effectively for a lifetime and live productively in our emerging global society.”  Included in these standards are the ability to; demonstrate creativity and innovation, communicate, collaborate, conduct research and use information, think critically, solve problems, and make decisions

While there are many people who are up in arms about technology in the classroom, as the above quote points out these skill are essential to thrive in modern global culture.

http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students.aspx