My second technology project taught me that I still know something about computers that my students don’t know! I was convinced that most of my students could teach me more about computers than I could. However, I learned quickly that there were some computer techniques I knew, that they didn’t.
For this project I had my students complete a Microsoft Publisher booklet on the different types of nouns. First, the students had never used or heard of Microsoft Publisher, so I was able to introduce them to another program. All my students knew how to use Word Art, but most of them did not know how to create a text box. While working with text boxes, they didn’t know how to edit the text box and manipulate the position on the page. I also had to show them how to use the shortcut on the menu bar for print preview. Since our last project was all typing, I allowed the students to make a “created by” page on the back where they could express themselves a little more with a picture.
In the end, I was very excited about this project. Once the students were set with the format and requirements for the assignments, the students had a blast discovering the borders, different fonts, colors, and pictures. I can’t wait until I figure out how to print all of their work so that I can display it in the classroom and hallways. They had a great time and so did I!
Last month, Time for Kids published an article stating that the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has just recently released their Red List of animals at risk of extinction. The article states that “Of the 47,677 animals and plants investigated, 17,291 are facing extinction” (World Report: November 13, 2009 Vol. #15 Iss. #10).
Computers and I don’t always agree!! I have tried SpellingCity which is an awesome site for students to practice and test spelling words. Spelling has become a lost art because of computers. My spelling skills has diminished in the last several years because of my regular use of computers and spell check. Nevertheless, it is important for students to practice spelling words because there may not always be spell check when they are writing.
As of right now, I have added a link to SpellingCity to my links page for students. Currently, I have one word list for 6th and 7th grade; however, I can’t seem to find the correct URL to copy and past to create a link to my homepage with my word lists. Even after reading the help page, I still can’t figure it out!! I am determined, so when I finally figure it out, I will make that change on my links page.
As of now, students will need to search for my lists by my name and/or school.
For my first project, the students in the seventh grade at my school wrote business letters. This project ended up being more difficult to execute then planned. One reason why I had to adjust the plan is that my designated computer time wasn’t enough time to complete the project. The students had a difficult time typing and getting use to the laptop. I realized that they were having a difficult time, so I had them complete most of the assignment on paper and transfer their work to the computer. I also requested additional computer time in order for them to finish. Right now, I have the task of trying to figure out the printer. The computers are suppose to be networked in order to print; however, it is not working.
The students did meet my goals. They were able to write business letters and think critically about an issue and explain how the issues affect them. They will also practice revising and editing work before the letters are mailed. Technology did assist the students in order to understand the difference between informal letters and formal letters. They also learned how to use lab tops and Microsoft Word. Their typing skills and knowledge of Microsoft Word improved drastically. Many of the students did not how to format a document before and now they are on their way!
The students did use higher order thinking skills by analyzing and applying their knowledge on an issue. They also used higher order thinking skills by discovering how to use the laptop and how to correctly format a document. Many of the students were challenged because they were unfamiliar with a laptop.
I enjoyed the practical use of this project. Since all of my students have grown up with computers, I assumed that they were more familiar with a laptop and working with word documents. I was excited that I was able to teach them how to correctly create documents. I am also anxious to mail the letters and see the responses that they might receive. It will be exciting to see if President Obama will send a letter.
I feel that the project would have gone smoother if I had done more preparation on how to write a letter. I showed them examples and provided them with a template of a letter, but more scaffolding would have helped. Many students had a basic understanding of a letter, but struggled with more formal academic vocabulary to use in the letter. Now I have to work backwards a little in order to get them ready to be mailed!
