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
