Final Project

From the beginning, children were expected to be able to do enough research on a topic where they would be able to debate against another classmate with the the research that they gatherered through different forms of technology such as internet, textbooks, iPads, computers etc…

First, I, the teacher would explain two perspectives of a given situation. In this example,as an English teacher,  two different authors were going to be utilized. As seen on the spreadsheet, first, I would have done a lecture where I would discuss why some students may feel that Jane Austen is a great author, while others feel that her writing sucks. I would touch on how Zora Neale Hurston is an interesting author while others view her writing as borring. Scholastic magazines would be used to show the students one way in which they are able to gain their research.

Next, the technology of a Flash Card Machine would be utilized, where questions would be on one side of flash cards, and answers on the other. The questions I assume the children would have would be on the index cards so that they can have the answers directly in front of them. However, if there are any other questions and/or concerns, they would still be free to ask them. After all of the students’ questions and/or concerns are answered,a Ipad will be used where a demonstration will be shown. The demonstration will consists of students doing different forms of research for their view, and how they will carry out a debate. Hopefully, seeing an actual debate take place, it will increase their desire to go through with the assignment.

Students will then choose whether or not they would rather be on the side of Jane Austen or  Zora Neale Hurston. These group will have group discussions, participating in something called speaking avatars. Using the speaking avatars the two different groups will have discussions of why they made their decision, share their research they found, where they got it from etc…  Then, through the computer, via email, one student from each group will send a student presentation that was accumalated as a group together. The presentation will have to be creative. They will have to explain their view on the matter, the reason, and list at least three resources where they got their information from.

After the student’s presentation gets my approval, they will then move on to the next step, which is research inquiry and they will complete this through a reference software that the school will have. This time, not only will the students find research for their side, but they also want to findresearch for the opposite side, so that for their debate, they will be able to build an argument against the opposite group.

Then, an homework assignment will be given to the entire class. Each student will have to in a creative way, come up with s presentation that show their side on matters, their research that they found, their argument against the opposing group and their support. This information is expected to be printed by a computer.

The next day in class, there will be another group discussion using the speaking avatars again. This will give each group a chance to practice how they will debate against the opposing group. Finally, an assessment will be given to the class, where all students are expected to speak at least once during the debate. Each student will have to try their hardest to prove their point and to present their evidence. This assessment will be considered an online prroject/presentation.

Lastly, a written assignement will be given to the students and they will be expected to type it, hsve it in MLA format, 12 font, and Times Roman Numeral. So, this will be expected to utilize tech structure. The students will be expected to write about the entire assignment, explaining what was difficult about the assignment, what they enjoyed and what they would change about it. This will in turn not only help them realize the entire process in which they had to experience, but it will also help me see changes that I need to make in the assignment for the future.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Am4bd1tcQ-F4dEN6WDNUV3h1NklzMUNCaW9EY0JOcVE&pli=1#gid=0

Interactivity 5: Integrating Technology and Curriculum

I was fortunate enough to interview my favorite English Teacher from 7^th grade. Currently she is now still an English Teacher, but for 6^th graders now. She teaches at 13^th Avenue located inside of Newark, New Jersey. Newark is an urban environment.

Based on the questions that I asked regarding the NETS-S and NETS-T she knew nothing of it. She even admitted to not knowing of it. After the first question she explained that she had no idea what I was referring to. After explaining to her exactly what the NETS-S and NETS-T is she felt more relieved. She explained that even though she was not familiar with the NETS-S or the NETS-T her school was in fact integrating technology greatly.

Neither has this school, or any of the other schools located in Newark New Jersey has implemented or even began to implement the NETS-S or the NETS-T. Some other initiatives that exists to increase students’ proficiency and media literacy is that at 13^th Avenue School starting from kindergarten to 8^th grade, all students have their own laptops, IPads, etc… However, this has only been done for 13^th Avenue School because they are considered to be a renew school, which means that their test scores have been so far off for so long, funds has been given to this school in order for them to help enable children to have a better chance at achieving test scores.

Unfortunately, being that Newark is an urban environment, none of the elementary schools have up to date technology. For example, after visiting my elementary teacher last month, I have noticed the children still have the exact computer that me and my class had to share. In Newark, New Jersey the only schools that are able to have access to more new technology, are the newer built high schools.

Honestly, I was not surprised by anything that my interviewee said. This is mainly because she teaches in Newark, New Jersey, a place that I have been born, raised, and still reside in; therefore, I know most of the pros and cons (mainly cons) of the Newark Public Schools. What I expected is basically what I got.

First, as a future educator, I find it my duty to always be informed and up to date with the new information because honestly, I think I would be embarrassed if anyone asked me a question about something that I did not know that had something to do with my career as a whole or even my content area. Also, as a future educator I would speak to others within my school about the NETS-S and NETS-T by at first mentioning it briefly to see if anyone knew anything about it. If not, I would then probably talk to a few colleagues with suggestions of how technology can be incorporated inside of the school. Then I will show them what the NETS-S and NETS-T actually is.


The link to the spreadsheet is as follows:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Am4bd1tcQ-F4dDcwakY0TkNJeVpxRmYzbC1SSDlKUHc#gid=0