Integrated Unit Lesson Plan - Reflection

My integrated unit lesson plan was shared with classmate Anne Murphy. We did our lesson on the Civil War. As part of our lesson, we decided to play a brief video for our 4th grade class as a refresher on our previous lessons throughout this unit. Anne and I also decided that a PowerPoint game of Jeopardy would interest our students as well as challenge their knowledge on the subject matter.

From my prospective, I would say that our successes were: (1) the class was interested in participating because of the competitive game we selected for them, (2) the students were able to test their knowledge and work collaboratively in regards to the game, (3) to the best of my recollection, we did not encounter any problems with the technology we chose to use.

Reflecting back, some areas which we could have worked on are: (1) the execution of the game/players - I'm referring to when we began the game we probably should have thought of which team would go first in choosing a question and then whether or not that team would answer the question or if it would then be the next teams' turn to answer, (2) also I think that a clicker would have been helpful for this activity so that both Anne & I would have been able to walk around during the game as opposed to one of us having to stay by the computer to click to the next question, (3) lastly perhaps some neat buzzards or some other technological device to buzz in with the answers - that would've helped with our technology integration as well.

I believe that content and pedagogical domain worked well with the technological domain in this particular lesson. The way our lesson was set up was that our students would utilize the web for research in order to learn more about the civil war, either via videos or websites, etc. Then once we played the jeopardy game they could still continue to utilize these technological tools, or they could test their knowledge and do it from memory. When Anne and I were deciding on our unit/lesson, the TPACK model guided us because we analyzed which lessons would work best utilizing technology versus those that would be a bit more difficult to incorporate technology. As Judith mentioned in her blog, "TPACK really does serve as a road map for teachers".

I enjoyed learning about TPACK as well as executing our lesson. It was fun and Anne and I were content and surprised that our students were so enthusiastic about the Jeopardy game!

NETS - National Educational Technology Standards

Some initial questions or observations when reading and comparing NETS - S and NETS - T are as follows: Why the year difference? Why does one say 2007 and the other 2008? Another question which comes to mind is, why do they seem outdated in regards to the years? How often do they get revised?

Okay, once I was able to get myself to focus past those initial thoughts and observations I realized that I found the Students standards a little overwhelming. For instance, I found it to be a lot of information for some students to follow. I also thought two of the standards could possibly be condensed into becoming one; therefore, giving them five standards instead of six. I thought the first standard and the fourth standard are a bit similar. I can see critical thinking and innovation being able to fall into a similar field as critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making.

While I do agree with the essential ideas and purpose of each of the standards for Students, I don't necessarily see how students would be able to really relate and interpret each standard on their own. It's not because I believe students would not be competent enough, it's mainly because I feel it might be too much information, too wordy, and a bit complex for certain students, not all. Maybe if it was written with different wording or more precise information, Students may immediately better comprehend each standard. Overall, I do feel that each standard set for Students is adequate and necessary in order to allow their growth and understanding in technology. As far as anything missing: well nothing really came to mind - I found it to cover just about everything.

Some Student standards more than others, might be easier to implement and monitor achievement. For instance, I believe digital citizenship might be easier, while research and information fluency might be a little more challenging. Nonetheless, I do believe each Student standard has an important concept to be achieved. For myself, I would like for each of my future students to gain knowledge in each standard and be able to understand it and master it to the best of their abilities. Although, I might consider translating the standards for my students, depending on their grade level, in order to achieve better comprehension from their behalf.

Now, in regards to the Teachers standards, I really agreed and liked the way each one was phrased and described. For some strange reason, I was able to better relate with the Teachers standards rather than the Students standards. As I read through each of the Teachers standards, not only did I agree, but I was also able to relate each one towards myself for when I become a teacher. I believe the standards for the Teachers are fair and do not seem too overwhelming. Similar to the Students standards, I absolutely found the Teachers standards to cover important areas, such as, promote and model digital citizenship and responsibility. I think that as teachers we should definitely abide by each of the standards set forth, especially because from what I read they seem reasonable and purposeful. As with the Students standards, I did not seem to think of anything missing.

I am able to see myself being able to implement each standard into my teaching curriculum. In particular, Teachers standards three and four (3 - model digital-age work and learning 4 - promote and model digital citizenship and responsibility) mean a lot to me because I strongly believe that a teacher must demonstrate these qualities in order to truly be an effective and efficient teacher.

Reviewing in detail both Students and Teachers standards was very insightful and informative.

Educational Computer Software

From a student's perspective, I believe that a good integration of all three methods - drill/tutoring; teacher-directed inquiry; and constructivist, student-directed inquiry, would make for an overall good school year experience. I as a student, appreciate the change and the various ways of being able to learn the material. Having different methods, allows students to take note as to which method best works for them and to consider why others do not work as favorable.

Since I haven't made it to being an actual teacher just yet, I'm not sure if it is feasible to assume that as a teacher, I would see myself using each method at least once throughout the school-year.

- I would use the drill/tutoring method if I was trying to teach my students spelling or perhaps their multiplication table, etc. I personally used that method when I was learning the multiplication table and I found it to be a tremendous help. It allowed me to focus as well as test my own knowledge and notice which area I needed help in.

- I would use the teacher-directed inquiry perhaps if I was walking my students through a science project or an arts & crafts activity because I would be able to instruct them step by step and direct them through to obtain an final project. I believe this method would also assist me when teaching them mathematics, such as long division. At certain times, I do believe guidance and direction can assist students; however, knowing when to let them learn on their own is also key. It's important to ensure that the students are given just the right amount of direction before having them work on their own.

- Which brings me to the the third method constructivist, student-directed inquiry. This would be useful to me in my classroom setting because I would hopefully be able to have students reach their zone of proximal development. I could use this method when having them learn the states and work in teams to figure out which states go where on a map. The students will enjoy working upon their own direction if given the appropriate tools.

I would also, definitely incorporate technological tools such as computers, laptops, smartboards, etc. in order to enhance each of the methods.

At this point, I don't exactly gravitate to one particular method versus another because I would really like to initially at minimal test each method out on my classroom to see what works best and possibly conclude why the other method(s) may not. I don't want to limit my options just yet without actually seeing them in action.

A Kaiser Family Foundation Study

Many thoughts come to mind after reviewing the study. One of many is - how do we all not have horrible eyesight???? I imagine after exposing our eyesight to so much constant technology it would deteriorate our vision. The way these 8-18 year olds are increasing their daily usage of technology, they may all be in need of glasses at about early 30s.

In regards to the implications technology may have for education in general, my thoughts are as follows:

- There is absolutely no escaping technology. It is rapidly growing and expanding and it is better to be a part of the movement than to be left behind. I find that technology can be an asset in the educational world. Technology can provide more visuals for students and it is also something they can relate to, since they are constantly in some way, shape, or form connected to any or many forms of technology daily (and by the minute). If students can relate to what is being taught to them, then I believe they will exhibit more interest in the subject. As the study demonstrates, children between 8-18 are quite comfortable with a variety of technological forms. In order to grasp their attention and most importantly - maintain that attention, teachers need to be able to relate to them. Technology provides teachers with that tool in order to gap any potential bridge.

- In regards to my teaching in particular, I plan to definitely use technology to my advantage. I believe that it can make my job a little easier, more organized, and exciting with the use of technology. I believe that as the study demonstrates, the increasing usage of technology will only continue to increase more each year going forward. I view technology as a positive tool in my future teaching career.

Technology Integration Statement

Technology Integration: (1st blog)

My current thinking regarding the proper role of technology is that technology if appropriately used can be an essential tool for any teacher. One great example which comes to mind is the SMART board which is currently being used in various classrooms. The SMART board allows the teacher to enhance their lessons in a very fun and interactive way. I was able to observe the SMART board in action this past summer during a field experience assignment. I noticed that the students were very excited about participating if it meant they had an opportunity to use the SMART board. I thought that was awesome that students would show such excitement over a lesson.

I reviewed my Educational Philosophy and I wrote about being able to find or utilize various methods in order to adhere to the needs of several students, as well as keeping them enthusiastic about learning. I know that technology can be a great tool in classrooms. Technology allows for lessons to be more interactive, interesting, and memorable.