Ch4 Choices, Choices!

Q1: There are so many types of software; how do I know which ones to include in my lesson?

We should teach technology along with the Essential Standard for our subject area. The software choice should enhance the learning process and help motivate the students to produce their best work.
In 6th grade the students study flowering plants. The evolution of flowering plants is one of the milestones in the development of life on Earth as we know it and every student should know why plants are essential.


North Carolina Common Core Essential Standard: 
6.L.1
Understand the structures, processes and behaviors of plants that enable them to survive and reproduce.
Clarifying Objectives
6.L.1.1
Summarize the basic structures and functions of flowering plants required for survival, reproduction and defense.

First, in order to learn about flowering plants, I would have the students use a browser and search engine to find pictures or diagrams of flowering plants. They would have to look for flowering plants in all phases of growth in order to show how plants reproduce, what plants are made of, and behaviors of plants that ensure they will continue living. 


I would have my students collect pictures of flowering plants, and diagram the major parts using Power Point. Then they turn their artwork into a power point where each slide shows examines a different plant part and its place in the making of seeds, fending off predators, and how flowering plants survive in various habitats or at times of stress. They can add music to the slideshow to enhance the presentation.

Q2: I understand why students use educational software and the Internet, but why should my fourth-grade students learn to use spreadsheet, database, or video editing software?

Reference: NET-S Standards:

1. Creativity and Innovation
Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology.
          d. Identify trends and forecast possibilities

4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making           


          c. Collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions



There is no question that spreadsheet and database software make research and comparison and trends analysis easier. In studying science, students frequently must look at the results of experiments. One aspect of NETS is that students gather and compare data to make informed decisions. Gathering the data using spreadsheets and databases speeds up the process from idea to conclusion. Excel software lets students look at large amounts of data and make decisions about what to conclude from their research. 

Reference: NET-S Standards:

2. Communication and Collaboration
Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.
          a. Interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media
          b. Communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats



Video editing and use of pictures, cameras, movies, and mixed media in a presentation make the learning experience rich and enjoyable. It is a direct tie-in to real jobs in the production of television shows and movies. 
Many people enjoy making their own short videos and uploading them to YouTube or Vimeo. Occasionally "A Star is Born" when someone with real talent is spotted on YouTube. Students should be given the opportunity to be creative using these amazing computer software capabilities.


This video includes my mother telling my daughter and me about a TV show she had seen.  Making this short film was very simple using my laptop; I plan to learn to use video editing software so I can use this creative process in the classroom.

Q3: How can student use of different types of software help improve scores on state tests?

Authenticity of subject matter effects the willingness of the learner to invest energy in the learning process. If a student is given a real problem to analyze, they are more motivated to solve the problem.

One type of problem solving software puts real life into simulations that are interactive with students. Suppose my class is studying erosion and how the earth changes because of the influence of wind, rain, and flooding. The simulation of a real event would teach students in North Carolina why it is important to monitor our water sheds and let students see why it is important to control flooding and erosion. For example, the simulation could show an area of land that resembles Ocean Isle Beach or another popular vacation spot. The students could input variables such as wind speed, ocean currents, rain volume, and rain intensity and see the effects on the island of hurricane force winds and excessive rain. 

Wikis are websites where anyone who has documented knowledge on a particular subject area can publish their thoughts for others to read and edit. Wikipedia contains thousands of topics, many of which directly relate to school curriculum. As with any web content, information on Wikis should be verified before taken as fact.

Images on this blog page are protected by copyright: Teresa Vandegrift, 2012