Jessica+King

My certification will be Middle Childhood Education. I will be specializing in math and English. = 1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity =

It is essential that teachers allow students to explore content through experiences that are engaging. Allowing students to be creative and construct meaningful texts that reflect their knowledge is one way to encourage engagement. I think students have a lot of creativity and should be given an opportunity to explore their talents and become confident in their capabilities. I think students should be aware that technology is a powerful tool that can be used to creatively demonstrate or clarify their knowledge. I think using technology in this manner looks different in every classroom, but should involve students understanding that technology can help them clarify their knowledge or present their knowledge to peers in an engaging manner. In an English classroom students can use virtual concept maps to help them organize their understanding of a text. For many students it is a struggle to look for similarities and differences within a book they have read, allowing them to make their own concept map will help them organize their thinking. Further, virtual concept maps are engaging for the students because they can choose the type of graphic organizer, the color, the font, and the background. Allowing students to keep an online writing journal, such as the Wiki, would allow the students to personalize their writing, converse with other students, and gain a sense of how writing can become an aspect of their life outside of the classroom. In a math classroom, students can use virtual manipulatives to help them gain a conceptual understanding of a particular skill. For example, when students are learning about equivalent fractions, the students can use virtual fraction strips to help them understand that equivalent fractions represent the same amount. Another way to encourage creativity in mathematics is to allow students to work through open-ended mathematical problems. Students should be encouraged to find multiple ways of solving a problem. This could be done using a graphing calculator. The students could use technology to present their findings to the class. = 2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments =

It is important to assess student learning and track students progress. Technology provides many opportunities for this to happen in a very meaningful and authentic manner. Students should feel that assessment is helping them move forward in their learning, not simply giving them a grade. If students are motivated to try their hardest and move forward in their learning, they will likely acquire a wealth of knowledge. In an English classroom students can create virtual portfolios using a Wiki, or even Word. The students can be challenged to reflect on their writing and how they have grown throughout their writing experiences. Further, digital portfolios are very easy for teachers to read and check, making it easier for each student to explore a different topic. The students could use the website we discussed in class the other day, the virtual timeline, to analyze their writing process. Using a virtual timeline to analyze the student's writing process and progress allows for the teacher to evaluate the student's work in a fair manner because they can see the overall progress of each student. In a math classroom students can us programs such as "First in Math" to track student progress and engage students in learning. The "First in Math" program is kind of like a game. The students can move to different levels once they master the lower levels. The students practice basic mathematical skills through games, keeping the students attention. "First in Math" is a great tool that allows students to take responsibility for their learning because they can track their own progress. The graphing calculator is also a great tool to use in a math classroom. Different programs can be downloaded to teach concepts that challenge students to apply their knowledge. Further, teachers can differentiate instruction in this manner, downloading more challenging activities for the gifted students and simpler activities for the struggling students. = 3. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning =

It is essential that students are comfortable communicating with and using technology for multiple tasks. Creating a classroom that uses technology to communicate with students and parents is an excellent step toward helping students become comfortable using technology. Teachers should also model the use of technology as tool for multiple tasks inside the classroom. When students learn in an environment that incorporates technology in almost every task, students will be comfortable using technology and be able to transfer this comfort level to future real world situations. One method of communicating with students and parents using technology is to have a virtual grade book. Using a virtual grade book allows the parents and students to access their grades from home throughout the school year. Students can take on more responsibility for their grades because they always know where they stand in a class. Parents can become involved on a deeper level, making sure their child is turing in homework and performing well on classroom assignments. Creating a classroom website is a great way to communicate and learn digitally. The teachers can post homework assignments and announcements on the website, allowing for students and parents to keep up to date on classroom happenings. Teachers can post links to online activities or websites with additional information about a topic on the website, enhancing the learning experience for curious students. Teachers can model the use of technology in multiple ways inside the classroom. The teacher could create a powerpoint, or use a digital means of presenting lecture material. The teacher could take notes about a class discussion using Word, and then post the document on the classroom website. The teacher can encourage communication with both parents and teachers through email. = 4. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility =

Students need to be aware that technology, and the people they communicate with virtually need to be respected. This needs to be both modeled and taught to the students. Taking the time to read stories of people of have been disrespected through technology and then discussing the article is a great way to introduce this concept to the students. Taking time to make rules for working with technology is a great way to establish a safe and productive environment. The students should be aware that they must follow the established rules or consequences will result.

Lesson Plan Rubric:

Custom Search Engine: [|Carl Hiaasen]

I would use this custom search engine to help my students research Carl Hiaasen and his theme of environmental protection. This tool would really help my students use their time wisely because they will not wast valuable time finding credible sources or typing in long URL codes.

Xtranormal Video:[|Read for Understanding]

This xtranormal video could be used as an introduction to class. Starting class with a video like this one could get the students thinking about the topic of reading for understanding. This xtranormal video could be an example for the students of a project they need to complete. The students could be asked to complete an xtranormal video about a topic covered in class.

"Hoot" test: [|"Hoot" Test]

Geometry Lesson Plan:

This is the lesson plan I created collaboratively for my final project. We worked hard to integrate real world applications.

Geometry Lesson Plan-Real World Application Project:

This is the worksheet I created for our lesson plan. It integrates real world applications.