Kristin, Reflection 7

My first lesson plan idea is to use ChemDraw software when teaching about how multiple atoms combine. The big idea of this lesson is that this is a computer program that students can use to better visualize what compounds look like in a three-dimensional space. The target audience would be high school students. The goal of this lesson would be for my students to be able to visualize what compounds will look like outside of the plane of the paper. This would fit the standard of integrating technology more in science classes. Some resources needed for this lesson would be the ChemDraw software.

My second lesson plan idea is to use modeling kits when learning how to name compounds. The target audience would be high school students. The big idea of this lesson is that the naming of compounds follows a particular pattern. The goal of this lesson would be for my students to not only learn the names of the compounds but also to associate the names of compounds with a visual image of the physical structure of that molecule. This would fulfill the standards because it is a hands-on activity and does not rely on simple rote memorization. A resource for this lesson would be modeling kits that each of the students could use.

A third lesson plan would be to demonstrate violent reactions using video clips on YouTube. The target audience of this lesson would be middle and high school students. The big idea of this lesson is for students to understand the volatile results that can occur when two seemingly harmless chemicals are mixed. The goal of this lesson is for students to be more educated about laboratory safety. This would fulfill the standard of teaching students about the safety precautions they should take in the laboratory as well as teaching how compounds combine. Some resources needed for this would be a computer with access to the Internet and a projector so students can view the video clips.

Kristin, Reflection 6

The video case that I used can be found at the URL http://www.edutopia.org/images/movies/keys.jpg. In this video case, the program and grading system of a school in Indianapolis is discussed. This new type of program relies on Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences in order to provide students with a broader education that is more closely tied to each student’s strengths. In this program, students are encouraged to do projects and engage in a “flow” process in which they are fully engulfed in the projects in which they are participating. Also, the students in this system are graded based on their levels of motivation and their progress speed. In this video, students used computers in order to assemble their projects, especially seniors who made a final video that encompassed all the projects of their K-12 years in the school. The technology in this video was student-centered. An eighth grader used the computer to do one of his yearly projects as well as a senior who used high-tech software to assemble a video portfolio to be used when applying to colleges. I think that technology in this case does make the lesson more engaging. By using high tech resources to do projects, students gain a better knowledge of how to use computers as well as an ability to do a project in a new and different way. In order to implement the lessons shown in the video, teachers would have to gain knowledge about how to use the software in order to help students with their projects. By learning how to edit videos and form a portfolio, a teacher would be able to help a senior with his or her final project. Based on the video, I would assess student performance in the same way that the school had created a grading system. They based their grades on levels of motivation such as intrinsic, extrinsic, or passing. I think this most effectively ascertains the level of participation and effort of a student, which is more efficient than any standardized test. A challenge that could be faced in this lesson is that it would be difficult to be able to adequately help all students with their projects. However, I do not perceive this to be a huge issue and think that the positive points of this technology outweigh any negative aspects.

Video Case Analysis

http://www.edutopia.org/php/article.php?id=Art_639&key=005
ENGAGING IN REAL WORLD PROJECTS

This video case occurs in a high school environment where two students are working together to create a video-game storyboard, with writting and visuals. In this high school, the class periods aren't like a typical high school. This project they are involved in is through Microsoft, where they are producing a part of a video game. This is enganging the students in the real world, and a job they could possible have after schooling. The technology used in this class was a computer program that creates animations and video game visuals. This video shows student-centered learning. Here, they have a project manager from Microsoft where they engage in real life situations where they explain what they made and what they need help in. This project introduces and puts all types of classes (english, science, art) all together. There project includes all aspects of student learning in terms of subject areas.

This type of project is very exciting to see and makes me jealous. These two students have created a project for themeselves which they enjoy and is relevent to there every days lives. Having a connection like that makes learning "non-painful" and enjoyable for the students because they are doing something that they want to do and are willing to put in countless hours because they are excited about what they are doing.

This kind of assessment must be very time consuming. The teacher first needs to find someone in the real world who is willing to take time out of there day to work with these students on the projects they have created. It is very fortunate for these two students to have someone to be there project monitor in an industry that they aspire to be apart of. "It's not what you know, its who you know."

To asssess these students you need to sit them down and have them discuss to you what they are doing, why they are doing it, and what is involved with it. I feel the best kind of assessment is verbal assessment where the student is able to project there ideas and knowledge to the teacher without being narrowed down on what they are looking for, like a test.

Using technology in the classroom is a huge advantage. Students are growing up with technology and being able to incorporate that into your curriculum will make your students more interested and able to connect to what you, as a teacher are teaching.

Not all students are great with technology. Therefore, you would first need to teach them the technology which takes time out of teaching the curriculum.

Video Case Analysis

http://www.edutopia.org/video/movie.php?reset=cookie&keyword=137&id=Art_1127

This video was titled Laptops on Expedition. It was about a middle school in Maine that integrated using technology into their school to create a CD-ROM. They integrated math, science, art, music, English into their CD-ROM, which allowed each kid a way to express themselves in whatever interested them. The finished CD-ROM was handed out to each student to take home and cherish.
In this video, the students used laptops, digital cameras, digital video cameras, scanners, computer software, and editing programs to complete their CD-ROM. This technology was student-centered because the students were the ones that were using the technology. The students were performing the hands-on activities in order for the CD-ROM to be created; the teachers were just there to offer a helping hand. The students were the ones deciding what would go on the CD-ROM as well. The technology makes the lesson more engaging because it gets every kid involved in the learning process. A straight lecture would not get every kid involved, and since it integrates all the subjects it makes it interesting to every student, no matter their interests. To prepare for this lesson, the teacher would need to get all the materials necessary and plan out what was going to be done each day in order to create the CD-ROM. From a technology stand point, the teacher needs to get all the cameras, computers, and software necessary to complete the assignment. From a pedagogy standpoint, the teacher needs to learn how to incorporate the technology into the lesson to make the lesson more meaningful.
Some strategies I would use to assess student performance would be to ask them questions about how the CD-ROM was made and question the steps it took them to complete the CD-ROM. Also, I would ask them what they learned from the situation, and hope that they would be able to explain everything in detail about what they learned from this experience. The advantage to using the technology in the lesson is that it allowed the students to use hands-on activities to learn. Kids learn best when they can perform tasks hands-on because it allows them to see it happening right in front of their eyes. So, by using technology the teacher allowed the students to learn better and allowed them to learn with understanding. Challenges that the teachers and students might face when integrating technology into the classroom would be that the teacher might not know how to use all of the technology, so it might be hard for the teacher to incorporate this technology into a lesson. Also, integrating technology can be time consuming and this might take time away from the students learning. This would not be beneficial for the students because they would not be receiving a full education. Another problem might be funding. Not all schools can afford to have all the up-to-date technology in their classroom. Public schools especially have trouble finding the money to but such devices as video cameras, digital cameras and lap tops. This would make this lesson very difficult if these pieces of equipment were not available. Overall, I think this lesson was a good one and that it helped the students learn more in-depth about the topic they were studying. I think the students enjoyed it as well, which is a key part of the learning process.