We Can Use Technology to Teach Science to Fifth Graders

1. We Can Use Technology to Teach Science to Fifth Graders

2. Weekly update Blog • Discuss the following • Plant measurement • Color • Shape • Wetness • Characteristics • Other

3. Assessment • Knowledge- Requires students to recognize or recall information • Identify the steps to creating a terrarium • Comprehension- the student must go beyond the recall of information • Compare and contrast the process of making a terrarium with the process of planting a plant in an outside garden. • Application- require students to apply a rule or process to a problem & determine the answer • Write an example of how a terrarium is useful to fish.

4. Assessment Cont. • Analysis- requires students to think critically and in-depth • Justify why some terrariums grow faster than others • Synthesis- asks students to perform original and creative thinking • Predict what would happen if you left your terrarium in a dark closet instead of in the sunlight or a classroom setting where lights are constantly on • Evaluation- requires students to judge the merit of an idea, a solution to a problem or work • Verify why the fish can live with no food.

5. Advantages of… • Blogs • Pictures • Video clips

6. Blogs • Using a blog makes education demand oriented, participant-centered • Using a blog encourages learners to be active throughout the course period • Using a blog captures changes in thinking • Using a blog facilitates the use of image • Using a blog reduces costs • http://www.slideshare.net/frankcalberg/11-advantages-of-using-a-blog-for-teaching

7. Pictures • Pictures Speak a Thousand Words. • Visual Interactions • The ability to upload the pictures right away for parents to see or post on a blog http://bloggingonthebay.org/?cat=447

8. Video Clips • Students can add a video clip of themselves onto their blog • This is a way to assess the students by having them talk about the plant process and put into a video clip we can then assess

9. Technology Standards- Teachers • Demonstrate introductory knowledge, skills, and understanding • Apply technology to develop students’ higher order skills and creativity • Use technology to collect and analyze data, interpret results, and maximize student learning www.iste.org

10. Technology Standards- Students • Identify trends and forecast possibilities • Interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media • Process data and report results • Advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForStudents/2007Standards/NETS_for_Students_2007_Standards.pdf

11. Modifications • Only a few computers in the class • Group projects (3-4 people) • Partner projects • Class project • No computers • Draw pictures of weekly plant progress • Create a timeline with the pictures

12. Importance of Technology • It enhances the curriculum • It provides visualization in a variety of formats • It has active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction and feedback, and connection to real-world experts http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-introduction

13. Final Thoughts • Technology can be used as powerful motivation for student learning • Teachers must be comfortable with the technology they are using • Don’t use technology just to use it- there must be learning and assessment involved • Always have a back-up plan Gollnick, Hall & Quinn (2008)

14. “Technology gives teachers new opportunities to reach all students and promote life long learning for all.” http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-introduction