LeSsOn PlAn II

I chose to do my second in Instructional Architect. Here is my link:

Project Name: The Branches of United States Government
Project URL: http://ia.usu.edu/viewproject.php?project=ia:8260

It covers one of the standards in the Utah Curriculum.

CoMpUtEr-BaSeD tUtOrS

Today we went over computer-based tutors. I feel that they could be very useful. I grew up using computer learning games, one was Gadgets and Gizmos. I loved it!!

They could be very useful not only by letting the students think that they are just playing games but they get to review some important lessons. It is a new fun way to teach or just review. It also can give the teacher some extra time if its needed to get other things ready while the students are on the computer.

One concern I have is if the games get too repetitive and boring. Students aren't going to want to use the programs if they think they are boring. Also, it would be sad if computers started to kind of take over the classroom. Hands on activities and the personal contact with others is very important.

I'm not sure how I would better design the math tutor because its math and its instruction that is definitely needed. However I do feel that the cause and effect lesson could be a lot less lecture-type. I got bored with it. I don't know how I'd do it but I'd look into it.

InStRuCtIoNaL aRcHiTeCt

Today we were able to learn about a lesson creating tool called Instructional Architect created by our own very Utah State! It is a very useful tool to let the student use the internet and use the great resources available online! It is great to be able to set up a guided discovery type of activity. It was pretty easy to get use and it will definitely be a fun way for students to use it. I also really like that I was able to bring in my own resources. It is a very basic and useful tool!

DiGiTaL pHoToGrApHy

I was unfortunately unable to make it to class on Monday and I'm pretty disappointed that I missed the photography day! I've heard a lot about it and that it was a lot of fun. From what I heard, we made comics about geometry with the pictures that we took. It would definitely be a good way to get the students involved with the subjects! I love photography and digital cameras may seem expensive but if as a teacher we plan ahead, then we could easily afford a lower cost classroom camera. When I was in third grade we did a photography project and I still remember it today! I also still have the photo I took! This is a great way to make the learning interesting and engaging! I am definitely going to find a way to integrate this into my classroom!

WeBsItE eVaLuAtIoN

Today we evaluated different types of websites. We used four different types of evaluation sheets and the form that I found most useful was the Midlink Evaluation sheet. I was able to pick high or low not just yes or no. It also made me look at some things I wouldn't necessarily look at.

I did learn that there were links everywhere and that some of the link would take you away from the page you were looking at to a completely different website without you realizing it.

Evaluating websites helps you know which website are of value to you. It also lets you know which websites are not completely true and may actually be detrimental to your students.

I would use the evaluations when I am going to just let my students loose on the computer with sites to use. If I have already evaluated the sites, I know that the students will be finding useful and truthful information. I won't have to worry or go back and check their sources.

StOrY tElLiNg

Today we did a lot with word processing and learned about Google Docs. The storytelling activity we did was very interesting. It was interactive and everyone had fun. The "track changes" ability is a really good tool for students and teachers. Google Docs is amazing! It really does fix the problem of attachments and multiple emails. It will definitely be a good tool to use when working with my team as a teacher! It was a lot of fun being able to edit the same document at the same time and actually see the changes the other person is making. I don't really have any questions about what we went over today.

CoPyRiGhT

Today was an interesting day. I was very frustrated because of technical problems. Not all of the answers for the crossword was in the article and the quiz marked you down if you answered the same question wrong more than once while trying to figure out the right answer!

However, it was a good review of the copyright laws. I've already been introduced to the whole copyright issue in a different class. Its amazing how easy it is to violate copyright laws. It is definitely an important issue!