Introduction Overview Narrative Exhibits
Reflection/Summary Classroom E-Board References Homepage

OVERVIEW

        During my internship, I taught a unit on the United States with emphasis on the Southern States. The students learned about a variety of technology resources throughout this unit including building Power Point Presentations, Inspiration Mind Maps, Internet/Online Research, Classroom E-Board, Digital Cameras and Educational Software.

        There were many aspects of technology used in my United States unit such as by having the students complete an online Simple Machines Scavenger Hunt which I created using HTML design hosted by Geocities. The 4th graders also utilized a Simple Machines Software game called Gizmos & Gadgets. Students were then taught how to use digital cameras to take photos of each other during their United States Folklore presentations.

        The main focus of this unit was to have students give presentations about a Southern State. First, I created a rubric for the students so they knew exactly what was required for the project. Students chose a Southern State and began working toward a final project of a 7-slide Power Point Presentation. This was a multi-step process beginning with using Microsoft Word to construct a letter to the Chamber of Commerce of their state requesting information. While waiting for replies from their state, students learned how to use the Internet to aid in their research. They were given pre-selected search engines and websites to search. They were also able to use World Book Online.

        After gathering all of their information, the students were taught to create mind maps using Inspiration. By using this program, the students could organize their information for their final Power Point presentations. Students were given the freedom to design the content of the Power Point as long as they followed the same layout (Slide 1: Introduction, Slide 2: Landforms...). Upon the completion, the students presented their Power Points to the class. In addition to the Power Point, each student created a persuasive essay to convince the reader to visit their state using the research that they had gathered. The students then typed the final draft on Microsoft Word.

        After the projects were completed, the 4th graders showed their tech buddies (1st grade students) their presentations. I decided to have the fourth graders also teach the first graders how to use the software called Graph Club since the first graders had been studying graphs.

        To complete the entire unit, the students and I created an ensemble titled "A Journey South." An ensemble is similar to a play but focuses on shared narration, movement, sounds and picturization. I showed many of the students how to use various sound control systems including CD players and microphones. I was able to personally use the digital video camera to take photos and short clips of the students performing. The ensemble was video taped and shown to the students at a later date. Following the ensemble performance, in which the parents were invited, the students were able to bring their parents to the computer lab and show them all of the technology projects that they had been doing.


Contact Me