Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Multimedia Lesson Plan- The ABC's of World Geography

http://donniaishizaki.weebly.com/

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. 

 

 

Saturday, February 21, 2009

A Lesson Plan on Creating a Cartogram

          

            In class, we had just perused various online search engines.  Through this newly found knowledge, we were given our next assignment, which was to search the web for information on creating a lesson plan, by using the ASSURE model.  I was a bit uneasy about the task given, since this is my first experience in creating a lesson plan.  Immediately, I made it a priority to find out as much information, in order to complete the assignment in a timely manner.  I found an array of information relevant to the assignment given.  However, the ASSURE lesson plan model illustrated on this site (http://clifmims.wetpaint.com/page/Lesson+Plan+Models?t=anon) provided a clear description of the six steps, associated with the ASSURE model that I could easily understand.  In addition to its descriptive procedures, a blank template of the ASSURE model was provided.  This made my experience a little less painless.  Although, I was able to complete my lesson plan on creating a cartogram, this assignment proved to be rather challenging. 

            Following the steps sequentially on the ASSURE model helped to alleviate any oversight on the assignment.  I did not have any difficulty in completing the first section, analyzing learners, however, the other five sections proved to be rather difficult.  I followed each step to the best of my knowledge and ability.  I must say that it took some time to complete the second section, stating objectives.  Even when I thought that I had completed my lesson plan, the uneasiness of perhaps not clearly stating the objectives lingered in my head.  Accordingly, revisions were easily made throughout the period of creating the lesson plan, to ensure that my lesson plan would meet the standards given.  For the most part, I was relieved that the online website I found on the ASSURE model contained all the information I needed to complete my lesson plan. 

            The overall projection of this assignment is to incorporate technology within the lesson plan by means of a spreadsheet created through Microsoft Excel or Word.  Due to advances in the technological world, the students were able to complete the task given in a timely manner.  The end product allowed the students in the classroom, to enter the data accurately and proficiently.  Furthermore, they were able to meet the required objectives of providing a graphic presentation of their statistical findings.  On the whole, I believe the end product would have been prolonged, if not, for the use of technology.  This experience proved beneficial to improving the student’s skills with Microsoft Excel and Word, and increased enthusiasm to apply what they have learned to other content areas.  Because of the diversity of learners within the classroom environment, I am learning that there are many ways that technology can be applied in the classroom setting through the use of visual, audio, and tactile methods. 

The outcome of creating a lesson plan has helped me to realize that applying “technology –enhanced instructional strategies” not only support the diversity of learners in the classroom environment (NETS*T 2-3).   But, the use of technology helps to increase students’ “higher order skills” while captivating their creativity and producing an outcome that the student and teacher can be pleased with (NETS*T 2-3).

As a result, this assignment proved to be quite challenging, due to my inexperience in creating a lesson plan.  However, through this learning experience, I learned how to create a lesson plan, by means of an ASSURE model found on the web.  By following the procedures sequentially, and making the necessary revisions, I was able achieve my assignment on creating a lesson plan.  Additionally, I learned the significance of integrating technology within my lesson plan.  Currently, I have been introduced to a variety of free useful tools that the web has to offer, I have also been encouraged many times to explore and discover, which has been an important lesson in this assignment.  As a future educator, I can see how technology creates a different learning environment that supports diverse learners.  This assignment was a fun way of learning how to create a lesson plan.  Although, there were times, I thought that I would not be able to complete the assignment.  I am glad that that I was challenged to discover new things, and I am looking forward to future lessons in this class. 

 

 

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, February 17, 2009

Creating a Cartogram

ASSURE Model Instructional Plan

Creating a Cartogram of the United States
Donnia Ishizaki
5th Grade
Social Studies
60 minutes
Analyze Learners
For Example:
1. 25 Students
2. 10Males/15 Females
3. 10-11
4. Mental, Social, Physical, Social Notes such as:
o Disabilities
o Learning Differences: Various socioeconomic backgrounds
o Cultural/Ethnic Notes: Diverse ethnic backgrounds
o Etc. :Students with special needs: ESL (English as a Second Language, SLD (Specific Learning Disability)
o Please review students’ file for lists of accommodations and/or modifications
5. Students have been shown a variety of cartograms in class and its main purpose.
6. Learning Styles
(Estimate % of Students)
o Visual-15%
o Auditory (Aural)-15%
o Kinesthetic (Hands On)-70%

State Objectives
A – Audience: Fifth grade students are to create a cartogram, which is a hybrid-cross between a graph and a map, of the United States by population.
B – Behavior: Given a map of the United States, the students will identify each state and collect data from U.S. census from 1995 to 2005.
C – Condition: Using Excel, the students will present a graphic presentation of the data collected and recorded.
D – Degree: Given an array of cartograms, the students will be able to analyze and compare the relationships of location to movement, place, and etc. with the statistical data given.

Select Media, Materials, and Methods
We have our textbook that has a map of the United States, (5) World Almanac, grid paper, graphing paper, colored pens, pencils, scissors, computer with Internet access.

Utilize Media, Materials, and Methods
For each listed above, details of how they will be implemented into the lesson to enhance learning.
1. Students have been tasked one week in advance to utilize the book at home and review the U.S. map provided in the book.
2. Students are encouraged to explore online different representations of cartograms
4. Students are provided several World Almanacs to examine in the classroom.

Require Learner Participation
Includes detailed methods for actively engaging all students for the lesson’s duration.
- Introduce topic to students.
- Assemble students into 5 groups
-Designate groups to a table (total of 5 centers, each containing a list of 10 states)
-Designate a group leader that will record the data found from the source given.
-After each group is done completing the task given, collect the data from the group leaders.
-Group leaders are to record the data (population of each state) on an Excel spreadsheet allowing each member from their group a chance to input data into Excel.
-Determine a scale- one square unit of area per million populations.
-Cut out state area from grid paper.
-Ensure that all 50 states are in correct locations
-Create a map showing the data graphically, using a different color to represent each state.
Example: California will be cut from 27.7 square units (big population)
Nebraska will be cut from 2 square unit (small population)
-Allow students to create an assortment of cartograms, to compare the various charts, to initiate an advanced level of thinking skills in comparing statistical relationships.

Evaluate & Revise
Evaluation methods for each of the following are included:
1. Student Performance:
Students were able to identify each state and create a cartogram with the statistical data found.
Students were able to compare different cardiograms and identify outcomes from the statistical data.

2. Media Effectiveness:
Did student have access to a computer at work or at school?
Did student work well with chosen groups when recording data?

3. Instructor Performance:
Did Instructor provide ample time to prepare for activity?
Did Instructor allow students to utilize all materials required for the activity?
Did Instructor clarify the instructions upon commencement of activity?
Did the classroom activity assist students to comprehend planned lesson?