Web Awareness

There are so many issues with using the internet in schools, because there are many safety concerns. It is important to not run away from the issues that arise from using the internet. Some of the issues are the pop-ups and internet ads that are somewhat targets for younger audiences, because if they can get students hooked in the internet, they may be mass consumers of some sites for life. This is one reason why it is important to explain to students, (depending on the age), the reason for filtering sites and why they should filter sites at home as well.

Blogging

I have found, through a recent presentation, that blogging could be a valuable way to assess students learning and knowledge. A blog can help students that are having difficulties expressing themselves in class, or the students that would rather type in a conversation then verbalize their feelings. Blogging is a new way of communication, but I think it can really be an asset to teachers to keep track of the student's assignments throughout the year. It is also a great way to perform summative assess students at the end of the year, and discuss their growth with their parents using a blog rather than a pile of paper work. I am not saying that written assignments should be discarded from the curriculum, but instead blogging should be added to the curriculumto enhance students learning.

Grade 6 Science

Title Activity: Trees and Forests

Reference Section:
The Field Museum. (2007). This Old Habitat. Retrieved September 30, 2009, from
http://www.fieldmuseum.org/thisoldhabitat/interactive.html
Canadian Council of Forest Ministers. (1994). The Habitat Explorers. Retrieved September 30, 2009, from
http://nofc.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/bookstore_pdfs/26221.pdf
21st Century Curriculum & Teaching Technology. (2003). CBE Library. Retrieved September 30, 2009, from
http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/curriculum/library/elementary/sci_6_trees.html
Missouri Botanical Garden. (2005). MBG Net. Retrieved September 30, 2009, from
http://www.mbgnet.net/
AgameAday. PictKross. Retrieved September 30, 2009, from
http://www.agameaday.com/rainfolder/raingame.htm
Rainforest Action Network. (1995-2008). RAN. Retrieved September 30, 2009, from
http://www.ran.org/new/kidscorner/jungle_gym/games/
Alberta Government. (04/29/2009). Grade Six Science. Retrieved September 30, 2009, from
http://www.blackgold.ab.ca/ict/Divison2/gr6science.htm

Grade level: 6

Subject: Science

Brief Description of Activity:
Students will use the virtual explorer of the bear habitat to see the interaction between plants and animals (http://www.blackgold.ab.ca/ict/Divison2/gr6science.htm). Students will complete the questions on http://www.fieldmuseum.org/thisoldhabitat/interactive.html and http://www.agameaday.com/rainfolder/raingame.htm. The remaining websites are helpful for learning more about tree life and habitation; it is a sponge activity. This will also lead into the next section on the importance of trees for oxygen.

General Learner Expectations:
Students will: 6–10 Describe characteristics of trees and the interaction of trees with other living things in the local environment.

Specific Learning Expectations:
Students will: Describe kinds of plants and animals found living on, under and among trees; and identify how trees affect and are affected by those living things.

ITC Outcomes:
C 6 1.3 use technology to support and present conclusions

C 6 2.1 select and use technology to assist in problem solving

F 6 3.4 demonstrate the ability to control devices electronically

F 6 2.4 use appropriate keyboarding techniques for the alphabetic and punctuation keys

P 6 2.1 select and use the technology appropriate to a given communication situation

Rationale for Computer Integration:
Students will be integrating technology in their learning, because it will make the lesson more interactive and will allow the student to work on their own pace, whether answering the questions, doing research, or playing an interactive game. All of the websites are student friendly and full of accurate information. The use of the internet aids to all types of learners, audio, kinesthetic, and visual, which is an asset in the classroom as long as the technology is available.

My slide show of forest fires in Crowsnest pass
http://www.slideshare.net/jesselee/presentations

Things I have changed in my power point:
1) Transitions have been changed to reinforce communication; they have a symmetry of action within the power point.
2) The grammar has been changed to eliminate redundancy.
3) The color and size of the font; to be consistent throughout.
4) The background has been created with the same template.
5) I added titles to give the power point direction and focus in each slide.

Reminder

Remember to hand in all assignments by the end of semester one!

I have been accepted in the Faculty of Education, and I am excited to start learning and expanding my knowledge in the field of teaching. I am majoring in art with a minor in science, and enjoy outdoors activities. I hope to bring my passion for knowledge and creativity into the classroom to explore new strategies of teaching.