Week 3 - Integration my way

When I introduced myself to my students (all 289 of them in 17 different classes from pre-K through 6^th grade) I first made a list of what I wanted to share with them about myself. Then I looked at where I could add an visual component and as the images came to life I moved from my thought of a Powerpoint to a Prezi to add movement to my images and provide a “pretty” backdrop. That backdrop inspired me to add an animoto video (rather than just a series or collage of pictures) and some animation to a section while a relevant audio piece was being shared. The audio and video each enhanced the other and had the kids sitting up and taking notice of that section. I still had “slides” that contained bulleted lists but I stressed to the kids that those were more for me so I wouldn’t forget anything. http://prezi.com/swweljwaatpx/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share

One list contained “what we will do this year” and included a short discussion of finding information and learning how to present it since presentation is the key to sharing information. I used the metaphor of finding something really great and trying to share it with an adult when they are busy doing something else. Almost everyone was able to recall a similar circumstance so when we get to that portion of our “program” I think I will have them interested.

Technology integration to me is having tools to support the objectives of the lessons. Teaching research skills and website evaluation is very difficult without online access and computers for the students to use. Creating videos won’t work without cameras, storage devices, and software for recording and editing footage. But having the technology won’t serve the purpose if the students don’t learn the HOW of doing the tasks. If they don’t know how to take notes or assess the information then having access to information is unnecessary. If they don’t understand story elements then any video created will simply be a recording of life events without a true purpose. I plan to use technology in my lessons as a tool to practice and enhance skills. As a librarian, I like to pick a picture book to use as a stimulus that will drive discussion and investigation of concepts encountered in the book or as a model for us to recreate in our own fashion. For example, All the Places to Love by Patricia MacLachlan will serve as a stimulus to identifying our own places we love and present us with the opportunity to use technology to create a persuasive argument project that will campaign for the places we love.

Another lesson that will start with a book and use technology to create the end product begins with the picture book Baby Bear Counts One. We will look at the concepts in the book: counting book, seasonal changes, habitat, relevant animals. Students will pick a subject of their project and recreate the counting and informational style of the book while using technology for research and book creation.

Both these lessons could be done without technology but students should be able to create more complete projects in less time by using accessible tools. I want to see my lessons and classes move from teacher-dictated to teacher-guided where I put out the question and students discover their own answers and, most importantly, create the meaning that allows them to own, defend, and deepen their beliefs in themselves and their answers.