Saturday, January 5, 2013
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
A Multimedia Lesson Plan on the A to Z’s of World History
Throughout the semester, we have been introduced to a variety of free multimedia tools that we can utilize in a classroom setting. We have been tasked to explore and evaluate the valuable ways that these technological tools can help to us to demonstrate a more effective way of conveying lessons to all types of learners. Throughout our journey of exploring and learning to utilize these tools in the classroom, we have been tasked to create a multimedia lesson plan, once again, following the guidelines of the ASSURE model. Since, I was pleased with the easiness of the ASSURE lesson plan model illustrated on this site (http://clifmims.wetpaint.com/page/Lesson+Plan+Models?t=anon), I decided to make use of that website again for this lesson plan. Even though, this is my second time in creating a lesson plan, I still found it rather difficult to complete the task at hand, on creating a multimedia lesson plan.
Upon planning for this lesson plan, each student had an opportunity in class, yet again, to provide an overall description of our lesson plan and, most importantly, state our main objectives to our colleagues. I found this procedure useful; because, at that time, I was one of those students who were unsure of what subject matter to focus on, in order to create my multimedia lesson plan. However, I was able to come about with an idea for my multimedia lesson plan, when requested. I was thankful with the suggestions presented to me by my colleagues. It definitely helped to me direct me into the completion of my multimedia lesson plan in accordance to Dr. Cyrus’s guidelines.
Following the steps sequentially on the ASSURE model, once again, helped to alleviate any oversight on the assignment. The first section of the ASSURE model, analyzing learners, was completed without difficulty. Because, we had reviewed our objectives in class, I am confident that my objectives are stated clearly and in accordance with the guidelines provided to us in class. Several revisions were made throughout the period of creating my multimedia lesson plan, to ensure that the completed assignment would meet the standards given. Though, there is still that uneasiness that maybe all specifications might not have been done appropriately. I suppose, I will find out when Dr. Cyrus makes her assessment on my lesson and posts my grade on the moodle.
The overall projection of this assignment is to incorporate, at minimum, two multimedia tools introduced to us in class. Due to our daily use of technology in class, my students were able to complete their assignments accordingly. In addition, I provided a rubric to guide my students to complete their assignment without bringing about any confusion on the objectives of the assignment. The end product allowed the students in the classroom, to work productively and proficiently. Furthermore, they were able to meet the required objectives of a slide presentation on the ABC’s of World History. On the whole, if not for the support of the school in favor of the use of technology, I believe the end product would have been prolonged. Also, the student’s would not have been as enthusiastic in finishing their project. This experience proved beneficial to improving the student’s presentation skills and increased enthusiasm to apply what they have learned to other content areas.
The outcome of creating a lesson plan has helped me to realize that to become an effective teacher at this day and age, teachers must plan “methods and strategies for applying technology to maximize learning” which helps to engage all types of learners (NETS*3). While, the use of technology in a classroom has come a long way and has proved to be beneficial, we must keep in mind to “promote the safe and healthy use of technology resources” to our students (NETS*5). Designing a group presentation on internet issues, as Dr. Cyrus implemented, established a sure way in becoming knowledgeable in the subject matter.
As a result, this assignment was still quite challenging, but I found this assignment more enjoyable. This learning experience has taught me a variety of ways that we can incorporate technology in the classroom environment. I have also learned that technology is not only beneficial to teachers, but to all learners, most especially, those learners with disabilities. As a future educator, I need to continue educating myself and exploring all the possibilities that technology has to offer, to ensure that my students are fully engaged in my lessons and maximizing their learning experience.
References
Nelson, J. (2009). Learning Telecollaboratively. Lesson Plans. Retrieved February 4, 2009, Web Site: http://clifmims.wetpaint.com/page/Lesson+Plan+Models?t=anon
International Society for Technology in Education, NETS (2003). Retrieved February 18, 2009, Web Site: http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=NETS
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Enabling Dreams
The video presentation on “Enabling Dreams” is an inspirational film that motivated me to become more knowledgeable of the needs of people with disabilities. The video helped me to understand that just because a person has a disability; it does not mean that they are unable to do the same things that normal people can do. However, as the video presented, it requires an ample amount of time and research, to be able to find the right tool or technology that will allow a person with a disability to function normally.
As a future educator in an elementary environment, I need to become more aware of tools and technology that will help all my students to be able to function normally in a standard classroom setting. I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to take this course. Additionally, I am now aware that there is another course being offered (ED443 Assistive/Adaptive Technology), by the same wonderful Professor, Dr. Cyrus. I believe that course will help to further expand my knowledge on using a variety of assistive/adaptive technology within the classroom. By taking that course, even though it is not part of my course requirement, I believe is a proactive step to ensure that my lesson plans will engage all students to become active participants in my lesson.
As I have been learning in the class, exploring and researching is the key to become a knowledgeable person. As a future teacher, I want to be able to make that long-lasting impact on all of my students by providing them all the opportunities to become successful students, such as, the students presented in the video.
