In the process of acting on my goals in exploring
real world issues and incorporating authentic instruction and digital tools in
the teaching of the topic landslides, I have first used a KWHL chart to assess
my current knowledge on the topic and my needs.
As a direct result of my enrollment in this program I have general
knowledge of authentic instruction, its benefits and applicability to my
student’s current and future needs. I
have created lesson plans that incorporate authentic instructional strategies
and implemented them. I have also been
exposed to digital tools such as blogs, wikis, voice thread, podcasts and
concept mapping software in the quest to make my lessons more engaging,
authentic and creative. However, I wish
to expand my knowledge and skills and that of my students further, by
integrating animation as a means of demonstrating and consolidating their
learning.
To learn more about authentic instructional
activities in the teaching of the topic landslides, I conducted a Google search
for lesson plans on the topic and accessed a hands-on activity at the website http://www.discoveryeducation.com/teachers/free-lesson-plans/landslides.cfm. This is perfect for students who are kinesthetic
and though low-tech increases the flexibility I need to reach a wider number of
students (Cennamo, Ross & Ertmer, 2009).
My search continued into animations on the topic at http://education.usgs.gov/videos.html
which procured the website which provides a link on how to create animations as
well as also a myriad of videos on any geographical topics at http://www.geography.org.uk/projects/ks4ict/idea21. The Geographical Association of Teachers
website also gives access to articles relating to everything geography on their
website as well as access to journals relating to the teaching of
Geography. I still have a long way to go
in achieving my goal, but I think this is a great start and I’m very excited
and anxious to share with my colleagues.
I’m thinking of creating a wiki where we may be able to share
information like this with each other.
Next step is to use the information from the website and with the
assistance of my colleague learn how to create animations because I cannot
teach students to use the technology If I do not know how to use it myself (Laureate
Education, Inc., 2009).
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer,
P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A
standards-based approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont,
CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Laureate
Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Program three: Enriching Content
Area Learning Experiences With Technology, Part 1 [Video Webcast]. Integrating
technology across the content areas. Baltimore, MD: Author.
4 comments:
Amanda,
I really liked the fact that you used a KWHL chart. I just started to work with the KWL charts and I often come up with the how on the fly. I feel that the H is the most important. Students often don’t think about how they are going to learn. “Although a useful activity on its own, the KWHL chart can also be used to guide student reflections in a portfolio and provide evidence of student growth.” (Cennamo, Ross, Ertmer, 2009). I think reflection is something that is important when starting on an exploration of our own inquiry. “While universal design may incorporate some methods and materials that may be fairly low-tech, digital media promises to provide the greatest flexibility in terms of planning, implementing, and assessing learning activities.” (Cennamo, Ross, Ertmer, 2009). I think that animations are a wonder way to get more visuals into your lectures. Will you have students make your animations that will be used in your lessons? Amanda is there a way you are going to work the cultures of your students into your lectures? “Projects that connect classroom or even individual students from different schools across the country or the globe are a popular methods for introducing students to new and different cultures. “(Cennamo, Ross, Ertmer, 2009). Again I think the animations are wonderful and if you can get your students to who are artistic to draw and help contribute you are taking a great advancement for your classroom.
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach.
I like how you implemented the KWHL chart with your own learning. I admire how you practice what you teach. You might check out the following website to help you with learning how to create animations http://www.lynda.com. If you are interested in learning technology it is well worth the cost. Another suggestion is to scour Youtube videos for tutorials. I like what you are doing and look forward to hearing more about it.
Hi Courtney,
Thanks for your positive comments. To answer your questions, yes I do plan to have the students produce the animations themselves. I’m hoping to use the summer vacation to practice with my sons. Fortunately our classrooms here are not very culturally diverse, however, we do have students from the Dominican Republic which has many areas that are prone to landslides. Including their experiences into the discussion would be one way to establish a personal connection with the content of the lesson and make it more relevant to their lives.
Amanda
Hi Heather,
Thanks for the suggestions. I will certainly add it to my list of resources. I hope I’ll get the opportunity to let you know how things turn out.
Amanda
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