In EME5050 this week we read a chapter on Technology, Digital Media and Curriculum Integration. Basically, it was about integrating technology into the classroom and the curriculum. The chapter also discussed different ways to use technology in the classroom or computer lab setting. For our actual written assignment this week we have been asked to dream a bit about what kind of digital storytelling project we would want our students to complete and then come up with a plan to do it.
If I were to have my students complete a digital storytelling project, I would want my fourth graders to complete one on the early explorers in Florida. My students would work in groups of no more than four. They would be responsible for gathering their information from multiple sources. I would guide them on how to appropriately use their sources and introduce them to the technological programs that they would be using to complete their projects.
Before they get started on their project I would show my students the Wendy Drexler video on the networked student to introduce them to the various ways that we use technology in our daily lives. My students have no real concept of just how much of an impact technology has on their lives because they have never lived without it. After the Drexler video we would hold a classroom discussion on the many ways that technology can be used in the classroom. I would also ask our computer lab teacher to lead them through a tutorial on how to use both programs during their computer lab time. After this has been completed, I would then present to them the basis for their project and show them a sample project using both Power Point and Prezi. The students will have a choice of which type of software they would like to use for the presentation of their project. Students will also receive a rubric containing all of the requirements their assignment must meet in order to receive a passing grade.
I would have my students begin by choosing from a list which explorer they would like to learn more about. In a group they would complete a KWL chart outlining what they already know and what they would like to learn more about. Then they may begin their research. The students would be responsible for gathering information from books, magazines, and of course, the internet. Next to each computer would be a list of kid-friendly websites that are deemed appropriate to use for their research, such as Ask for Kids, KidsClick!, and Yahooligans. As students find out more about their explorer they can finish their KWL chart by filling in what they have learned. Once all of their information has been compiled students may begin creating their presentations using Prezi or Power Point. They will compile all of their information into appropriate categories and accompany their information with pictures to illustrate. When their projects are completed each group will present their digital storytelling project to the class, teaching their fellow classmates at the same time about an important historical figure in our state's history.
Resources:
Shelly, G. & Gunter, G & Gunter, R. (2010). Teacher Discovering Computers Integrating technology and Digital Media in the Classroom. (6th Ed.) Cengage Learning
Drexler, W. (2008). The networked student. Retrieved September 11, 2010, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwM4ieFOotA
Ask for Kids – http://www.askkids.com
KidsClick! - http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/KidsClick!
Yahooligans! - http://kids.yahoo.com
As a former 4th grade teacher, I like your project on the explorers. I think the kids like this topic already and getting to use the computers would just be a bonus. I did a project about 4 years ago with some 5th graders where we found a map of the world and imported it into paint brush. From there we used our books and drew the routes of each explorer. The kids got some geographical conepts and experience with some productivity software. I think your project would go nicely with what I did a couple of years ago. I think a digital presentation on the life or the experiences of a given explorer would be a great use of technology. I like your rubric idea, I think that is a smart way to grade such a complex assignment.
ReplyDeleteAaron H.
Thanks Aaron! I really like the map project that you did with your fifth graders. I may have to incorprate that into this project. I was also thinking that I could incorporate a writing component to it - have the kids make a journal entry and write about their experiences traveling with their explorer. It would go along really nicely I think. I've been reading a book called Pedro's Journey to my students to prep them for the explorers unit that we have coming up. If you haven't read it I suggest finding it and taking a look. Maybe you could use it as well with a future project.
ReplyDeleteOne of our peers, Lisa had an idea of their student’s choosing a topic and relating it to events throughout history. I love the way you and others are renewing the way history is being taught and discussed. I think learning about Florida explorers is appealing.
ReplyDeleteThis idea will truly help students become involved in learning. This project idea also allows them to learn on their own.
“My students have no real concept of just how much of an impact technology has on their lives because they have never lived without it.” How true that is for students today in general. Creating a digital story will help digital natives to become more aware of “old school” exploring; it wasn’t always done on the web!
- Chrystal
I like that you are offering the students a choice on how to present. Either PP or Prezi. I thin the students will really enjoy the project on Explorers and it mght encourage them to do a little more research than usual due to the "digital" factor.
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