My technology in the classroom project in focused on designing for grade 9-12 at Bangor High School. The objective is to teach beginning and intermediate skills in Office 2003-Word using hands-on instructional projects. The goal is to allow students work within the Microsoft Word Application by using it to complete a series of projects leading them to master the application program immediately. They will learn problem solving techniques while working through projects that provide practical and real life situations students can relate to. Learn by doing has proven to be an effective way of teaching technology skills based on my personal experience.
While it had been difficult to find time to actually be in the classroom, plan technology implementation to improve teaching and learning, I thought it may be a good idea to visit my targeted school and students sometime during this project design. I feel that this may completely change or influence the project design.
Instructional Plan: The teacher will demonstrate the application program to the students on the first day of class with a set of hand holding which is then followed by a series of sample work that the students can follow from their computer station. Subsequent classroom sessions will be project based, students will be handed printed project-based activities. The activities will require students to learn by doing and working through the projects. Completed works should be printed out in the specified format and turned in for grading. The teacher will be available as a facilitator and guide for any student during class meetings.
So far, I know exactly what to focus on throughout the project and with an OK from the classroom teacher details will be provided as they become available. I would highlight some of these areas in my podcast #2. It would be interesting to see what the end product of several weeks of creativity will look like.
