Thursday, December 17, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Reflecting on the Multimedia Lesson Plan
The Multi-Media Lesson Plan was overall a very challenging endeavor. My standards for myself have risen during the course of this class, and as a result, this lesson plan took a lot more time and consideration to complete than the first lesson plan I did for this class. That is not to say that the first lesson plan was done hastily or rashly, but that I have learned very important points from ED 451 that required more components.
For this lesson plan, I tried to incorporate all my knowledge of digital media presentations and Internet research, as well as the complete evaluation of those types of media. Figuring out how the use of the medias would reflect understanding, effort, and learning was a tedious task, but will prove useful later in my experience with lesson plan-writing. I tried to make the execution of each component of the ASSURE model as thorough as possible.
The ASSURE model is very helpful in figuring out how to plan lessons. It gives a strong backbone to the process of planning as well as evaluation. I especially like the model because of the way it is organized; I love the fact that it begins with knowing and considering the demographics, learning abilities, and needed accommodations of students. “Analyze Learners” urges teachers to understand their student’s backgrounds so as to bridge the old with the new, and create a more stable bridge to what is being currently taught.
The “Use of Media and Materials” component of ASSURE is also very helpful. It calls for the careful planning of how the assignment tools should be used. This is important because it ensures specific outcomes, instead of blindly giving out an assignment, and hoping students use the tools as intended, which is not a good method, at all. The Use of Media and materials helps students before they even begin the assignment, because it gives them an outline of what they should focus their energy on while completing the assigned work. It provides direction for both students and teachers.
One struggle I had with the creation of this lesson plan was figuring out how to make accommodations for a child with a disability. I have not had much exposure to tailoring assignments for disabled persons, and so I hope the considerations I took for a blind student proves to be adequate. I plan on learning as much as I can about the different types of accommodations, so that I will be prepared to teach all types of learners and students in the future.
Overall, I loved the assistance that the ASSURE model provided. Hopefully the model has helped me to create a more efficient and dynamic lesson plan.
Edgar Allan Poe Multi-Media Lesson Plan
TokBox - Free Video Chat and Video Messaging
Description of Assignment:
-This assignment is intended for a High School Literature class.
-Students must create a Multi-Media Presentation using the software of their choice (PowerPoint, Key Note, Prezi, or others)
-The Presentation will be on an Edgar Allan Poe poem of choice
-Further Instructions stated in Objectives.
ANALYZE LEARNERS
Demographics
1. High School: 9th-11th Graders
2. Pacific Islander: Filipino, Chamoru, Chuukese, Mixed, et cetera.
3. Equal Distribution of sexes
4. Class Size: Up to 24 students
5. Middle to High Achievers
6. Accommodations made for Blind student
Entry Competencies:
-Introduction-level knowledge of Edgar Allan Poe, metaphors
-Minimal experience with writing essays
-Decent use of grammar and writing skills
Learner Styles Targeted/Exercised
-Verbal/Linguistic Skills
-Audio/Visual Skills
-Musical Intelligence
-Intrapersonal Skills
STATE OBJECTIVES
Description of the Lesson:
-Students must choose an Edgar Allan Poe poem
-A presentation must be created featuring at least three metaphors
-Student must analyze and summarize the poem
-Presentation must be Multi-media
-Presentation must include text, pictures, images, and audio.
-Presentations must be informative, creative, and thoughtful.
-The class text, as well as two other sources (at least one an Internet source) must
be incorporated into the presentation.
-Sources must be represented and used well.
-The finished product must be presented in class.
Expected Outcomes:
1. Students will exercise and learn research skills (traditional and Internet)
2. Students will apply all sources adequately.
3. Pupils will gain knowledge about Edgar Allan Poe works
4. Students will apply and learn presentation skills
5. Students will reflect analytical skills
6. Students will display creativity
7. Students will successfully create a multimedia presentation
8. Presentations will include audio, visual, textual and other effects
SELECT MEDIA, METHODS, AND MATERIALS
Methods:
Preparation
1. Students will be introduced to Edgar Allan Poe poetry during class readings.
2. Discussions regarding Poems will take place in class, in small groups and as an entire class.
3. Students will be oriented with Metaphors, and the different types.
4. Students will be given handouts on different presentation software and programs, as well as tips on online research.
Media:
Preparation:
1. Classes will be held in the library in order to show demonstrations on presentation programs and Internet research.
2. Students will be allowed to use the Internet and programs.
Media Chosen:
1. Digital Presentation Programs such as PowerPoint, Key Note, Prezi, or others.
2. Search Engines such as Google, Firefox, Safari, Ujiko, and others.
3. Edgar Allan Poe Poetry- Retrieved Online of from class text
4. Online sources: Tips given
Materials:
1. Presentation Software
2. Internet Connection
3. Class Text
4. Handouts
USE OF MEDIA, METHODS, AND MATERIALS
Evaluation Criteria
1. Using Presentation Media and tools to full advantage
Students must use all of the following in presentation:
a. Visual Media
i. Pictures or videos (YouTube, et cetera)
ii. Clip Art or other images
iii. Visual Effects
b. Sound effects or audio clips
c. Textual Information on Poe
2. Material Must be of Good Quality
a. Clear, vivid sound
b. Video visuals must be clear
c. Pictures must be vivid, not warped from resizing.
3. Sources
a. At least two other sources must be incorporated.
b. The sources must be cited at the end of the presentation, including:
i. Author’s name
ii. Name of Book, poem, and or Website
iii. URL address of Internet sites
c. Source must be credible.
i. Sites with “.org.” “.edu” or “.gov” recommended.
ii. Wikipedia not allowed!!!
d. The source must be used well in the presentation.
i. Good amount of use- not too much or too little.
ii. Ideas of source must be represented accurately.
4. Chosen Poem by Edgar Allen Poe
a. Must be explained and analyzed well
i. Explanations must reflect thoughtful and in-depth consideration
ii. Metaphors from the poem-at least three- must be reviewed and
interpreted. Secondary Sources are very useful for this part.
REQUIRE LEARNER PARTICIPATION
These Components Are Also Part of Evaluation:
1. Ideas in Presentation must be fully developed and thorough.
a. Thoughtful consideration and Analysis must be apparent.
b. Originality must be reflected in the use of sources, images, effects,
presentation aesthetics, visuals, and other media
c. Effort must be reflected in the presentation
i. Includes Overall Quality of the Presentation
ii. Organization of the Presentation must be efficient
iii. Interpretations of the text must be insightful
iv. Execution of the presentation reflects practice and in-depth
consideration and preparation.
2 . Guidelines for the in-class Presentation
a. Delivery:
i. must be clear and interesting.
ii. Presentation must engage audience
b. Pace of the presentation
i. should be ideal- not too fast or dragging.
c. Content
i. Poem and sources must be used well.
ii. All content must be relevant to subject matter and presentation.
EVALUATE AND REVISE
(In addition to Previous methods of Evaluation mentioned)
Points of Evaluation to Consider:
1. Were all stated requirement and presentations met?
2. Was the Final Product and Execution thoughtful, creative, and thorough?
3. Did student exhibit adequate learning on the Presentation?
Post-Assignment Evaluation:
1. Test affect by handing out anonymous questionnaires, which concerns:
a. Student’s reactions to assignment
b. Whether or not assignment was too easy, too difficult, or sufficient for
learning
c. Why students felt they did or did not learn valuable knowledge
d. Students’ feelings about using presentation programs instead of traditional
paper formats
2. Give a Mini-test on Metaphors presented
a. Test on knowledge of meaning and interpretations
b. Test on definitions of metaphors
ACCOMMODATIONS MADE
Targeted Disability: Blindness
Details of Accommodation:
1. Student should be assisted by a one on one aide. If none is provided, then:
2. Students will be assisted by another student (high achiever)
3. Student will be given more time to complete the assignment
Details of Assistance:
1. Aide will read aloud options and content for the following:
a. Internet Research
b. Use of Presentation program
c. Poe Poetry
2. Student will be responsible for making all choices in research, use of presentation media (images, audio aids, and other effects), and poem covered.
3. Aid will assist student during instructional time, and parents will be informed about the assignment and criterion in order to assist the student at home.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Technology Assessment on 8 Tools
1. Moodle: http://gaughin.thinkingdistance.org
Moodle is the most helpful digital tool for students that I have ever come across. Navigation is very easy, and the web site is overall very user-friendly. The features are incredibly convenient. Instead of the traditional paper trail of turning in assignments, Moodle allows students to not only submit assignments online, but also to view grades and responses from the teacher. The due dates for the assignments, along with the instructions and necessary links, are also available on the assignment uploading pages. Another dynamic feature of Moodle is the ability to message and chat with the teacher as well as the class. All class members and their profiles are on the home page, and it is easy to communicate with the entire class or teacher. In a nutshell, Moodle is a planner, communication tool, and assignment exchange tool all in one.
2. Delicious List: http://delicious.com
This list is a portal for every possible useful website imaginable. It is impossible to remember the URL’s to sites online, and Delicious is intended just for this purpose. Not only are all the sites saved, making them a click away, but the bundles make it much easier to view sites by topic and subject. Even more convenient is the networking tool, in which you can add other Delicious users to your network, attaining all of their lists as well. Delicious also has a Search feature that allows the user to navigate through the site. In addition, there are popular and most recent bookmarks and tags that can be easily acquired.
3. Firefox Browser: http://firefox.com
Firefox is my new favorite browser for several reasons. First, I find that it works a lot faster than Internet Explorer on my Mac. Second, Firefox has so many useful links on the homepage that include Google applications, Wikipedia, all sorts of News sites, YouTube, Yahoo, and more. On top of that, firefox is very easy to use, and incredibly self-explanatory. The download is free and fast, which is always a good combination. Firefox uses Google for searches, as well, which I am quite comfortable and satisfied with. The site supplies users with guides on how to maximize the benefits of Firefox and all its features.
4. Google Suite Applications
A. Gmail: http://gmail.com
This electronic mail site is free and easy to sign up for. The sign up process is quick and painless. Gmail has so many great features, aside from mail. The contact list is very convenient, and gmail automatically inserts known addresses just by typing the first couple of letters of names or addresses. Mail can be starred, sorted by different categories, and drafts can be saved.
B. Google Blogger: http://blogger.com
This blog is a very useful and unique tool for different purposes that are personal, professional, educational, or business-centered. As far as using Blogger for school reasons, I can claim nothing but satisfaction. Not only was it a new and attractive way to present assignments, I was able to organize my class projects and assignments all in the same place. Blogger is a dynamic way to feature assignments as well as links and videos. Being able to put a Powerpoint presentation right above a short essay was really interesting. This way, there was no lost work or confusion about URL addresses.
C. Google Docs: http://docs.google.com
Google Docs is a very useful tool for sharing and saving documents. It is an easy storage site that allows users to archive documents that can either be kept private or shared with whomever the user allows. Organization by category is also available. The uploading process is simple, and fast. A Template gallery is also featured, which allows users to create a new document of all sorts.
5. Slide Share: http://slideshare.com
Slide Share is an innovative way to transform Powerpoint presentations into online-accessible slide casts. Keynote, Word Excel and PDF documents can also be transformed into slide casts. The tool is free to download, although this takes a good amount of time. Uploading files, at least PDF documents, takes a significant amount of time, depending on the file size. The slide casts are titled and organized in personal slide cast archives. These can be shared, or easily transferred to blogs and other online locations simply by copying the slide cast codes and pasting it onto desired location. Bulk Upload for files is also available, but also requires a lot of time. Slide Share is a different means of conducting a presentation, and is a good organization mechanism for many types of presentations and types of documents.
6. Read the Words: http://www.readthewords.com
This site is wonderful. It is fun, because there is a cartoon lady that is just waiting to read words that are written in a dialogue box. The user just has to type the URL address of the site, and is instantly take to the reading tool. There is no signing up or downloading involved, and is also completely free. The cartoon girl is cute, and her voice is funny (as in entertaining). The downfall to the site is that the voice sometimes mispronounces unfamiliar and definitely foreign words. However, most words were pronounced perfectly. You just cannot expect perfect pronunciation for jargon words, either. One really good application of this tool is for ESL students, or those that struggle with Reading. Read the Words can help an ESL student grow more comfortable with saying words, as well as familiarizing them with sounds and their letter patterns in words. Read the Words is also useful for anyone that is unsure how to pronounce an unfamiliar word, instead of trying to figure out dictionary pronunciation guides or an authority on the subject.
7. TokBox: http://tokbox.com
Tokbox is a very useful site that allows users to create videos easily, and in the comfort of home, the office, or anywhere a laptop can go. No uploads are necessary, and the site is free. Tokbox simply requests access to your computer’s video cam, and the application can be utilized instantly. The process of recording is simple, and the video can be sent wherever you want. Tokbox includes an instant message feature, or a user can be linked to their instant message carrier of choice. You can find your friends, send video messages, and conference call with other parties of your choice. These can be posted to Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace. Personal profiles can be edited and designed as desired. Videos include image, as well as sound. The fact that no uploads are necessary is almost unbelievable, considering all the complex uses that Tokbox features. It is especially useful for communication purposes, but aside from that, there are many different applications. For example, before a presentation students can film themselves practicing, so as to know what to cut out, improve, or edit. Also, Tokbox can be used to do actual presentations and assignments, and can be a fine alternative to Powerpoint Presentations and essays or reports.
8. Prezi: http://prezi.com
This is another online presentation tool, but very different from Slideshare. The graphics make Powerpoint look like Kindergarten stuff, to put it lightly. The results of using the site are stunning, no-hassle presentations that grab-and keep- the attention of any audience. The colors are astonishing, vivid, and pleasing to the eye. Instead of the tried linear presentation, Prezi allows you to transform the slides into maps that can easily be enlarged, highlighted, and travelled through by the user. You can even preset a path, as a tool to recall the exact flow of the presentation. Getting used to navigating through the map sounds easier than it really is. Adding text is easy, however, and signing up for Prezi is, as well.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Presidents Game Evaluation
Friday, October 2, 2009
In Retrospect: Looking Back on the Process
This project has been a very challenging and frustrating endeavor. The hardest thing was figuring out what to do, as far as the assignment. It was not too difficult to design the actual project, but determining the subject matter proved to be a lot harder. First of all, how could I design an assignment that would ensure that the students actually learned something besides how to use an MS Excel worksheet? Secondly, how could I make the experience benefit each student individually? Both questions took the longest to figure out. Hopefully I figured them out correctly. The most enjoyable part of this project was getting even more comfortable with Excel and the different search engines. It is also very beneficial to be practicing creating lesson plans that implement technology.
I used all the tools in creating this assignment. I used Excel to create sample charts, and the search engines to find the ASSURE model as well as some research on female writers. The Excel program is a really dynamic tool that is useful in so many ways, including the application for this assignment. I definitely plan on using it in the future for records purposes, as well as in other future assignments.
What I learned about planning this assignment was that the process takes a lot of work. It involves research on not only the subject matter, but also the learning abilities, backgrounds, and capabilities of the students. There are so many different concerns to address. Is the assignment intended for different types of learners (Kinesthetic, Audio, Special Ed., ESL)? What are the accommodations for learning disabled students? How does the lesson plan utilize technology? How will the assignment be assessed? How will the media effectiveness be assessed? The considerations for a lesson plan go on and on. In addition, there are so many different standards to implement and apply within the lesson plan. I can see now that a huge chunk o teaching is creating and designing these plans.
The NETS*T standard that I think most applies to this lesson plan and assignment is 1A, which states: “Teacher demonstrates introductory knowledge, skills, and understanding of concepts related to technology” (Nets for Teachers, 2009). Not only did I utilize the search engines and Excel for my lesson plan, the students are also oriented with the technology by way of handouts and hands-on demonstrations.
Bibliography
1. “Learning Objectives.” Dr. Jacqui Cyrus Syllabus ED 451. Fall 2009.
2. “Nets for Teachers.”http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2000Standards/NETS_for_Teachers_2000.htm. Sept 2009.
