Integrating the Internet into Lesson Plans

Title of Activity: Wordle Collage

Reference:

Feinberg, J. (2009). Wordle. Retrieved September 30, 2010, from http://www.wordle.net/

Grade Level: 5

Subject: Language Arts

Description:  After reading aloud to the class a short literary piece (poem, story etc.) students will type out a short journal on their thoughts, feelings and ideas that were evoked by what was heard. [This may require some reflection prompts to be given out.] The students will then visit the website http://www.wordle.net/create and copy their journal into the top box displayed.  This website will take the most common words in their journal and produce a word collage/cloud.  The students can then alter the layout, colors, etc. of their word cloud and view what was most prominent in their reflections.

General Learning Outcome:

·         Students will listen, speak, read, write, view and represent to explore thoughts, ideas, feelings and experiences.

Specific Learning Outcome:

·         Experiment with language and Forms- select from provided forms of oral, print and other media texts those that best organize ideas and information and develop understanding of topics

ICT Outcomes:

C7- 3.2 make connections among related, organized data, and assemble various pieces into a unified message

P2- 3.1 design, create and modify a database for a specific purpose

P3- 3.2 create multimedia presentations that incorporate meaningful graphics, audio, video and text gathered from remote sources

Rationale for Computer Integration:

This assignment allows students to take a reflection and use technology to alter and see it in a new light. It’s a good way to allow graphical insight into their thoughts. The technology will automatically pull your most frequent word usage, removing “and, the, that, etc.” I also feel as though it offers a fun, positive incentive to finish the journal reflection writing to see it in a word cloud.

Technology Integration

What is effective technology integration for 21st century

View more presentations from ginag15.

One more way that we can incorporate technology into our modern world is through providing online access to our works. Take for example, how we are able to display our PowerPoint presentations onto a blog entry. What a great way to provide students with access to review material when it is needed. When creating slideshows for classrooms keep these key points in mind:

1.       Headers- provide a topic on what each slide will cover and be consistent throughout presentation. (Example has all the Same font, color and placement of headers)

2.       Background and Text Color- allow text to pop against the background, and make it easy to read. Don’t allow background distractions to take away from information. (Example has white and black for easy reading.)

3.       Conciseness- use as few words as possible to convey your point. (Example uses bullet format to decrease number or words needed)

4.       Visuals- act as an aid and should speak for themselves. Place them close to appropriate text.  (Examples compliment text on appropriate slide)

5.       Font Size- make font large enough so that when it is projected to a large screen everyone including the back rows can clearly read what is displayed. (Example has no font smaller than 36 size on informational slides)

Blogging in the Classroom

My first thought process about creating blogs for classroom use was “No Way!” The accessibility that the Internet provides for anyone to read blogs makes me paranoid about what information regarding my students could possibly be obtained. I also questioned whether parents would be supportive of their child blogging. Thirdly, how would I overcome barriers such as lack of computers throughout the school, at home or Internet accessibility to all students?

However, once I began reading and researching I began to see the pros to creating classroom blogs. In a world where students are ever increasing their technological minds, blogging is a great way to reach out to them. It allows communication through an area where they are knowledgeable and comfortable. Blogs allow students, teachers, and parents an easy communication channel. Parents also get the opportunity to see what activities, projects, due dates, etc. are expected of their child, meeting KSA standard #12. Students get the opportunity to ask questions, offer study help, provide insight, and offer feedback outside of classroom time when help may be hard to find, creating a sense of classroom teamwork and collaboration. Last but not least blogs meet many ICT Program of Studies outcomes (which as a first time teacher I’m sure will be referred to over and over again) such as; Students will use technology to aid collaboration during inquiry; Students will compose, revise and edit text; Students will use electronic research techniques to construct personal knowledge and meaning; Students will demonstrate a basic understanding of the operating skills required in a variety of technologies.

I can now understand how helpful blogs can be in the classroom once rules and regulations are set out so that students know how to create a safe and accessible communication outlet between one another.

Beginner Blogger...

So, this is blogging? Hope it all works out. As you can probably tell I am new to this whole blogging fad. I read and follow many blogs created by friends, yet never thought I would be joining in their realm of blogging. However as a current student in the Education Faculty I hope that I am able to learn the ins and outs of the blogging world so when I head out into the real world I am able to consider and utilize online tools such as blogs in my classroom to assist in the learning process. (It's crazy how much has changed since I was in school and a calculator was the most advanced technological instrument we used). So here is to the start of increasing my awareness of the ever growing blogging world.