Edtech 501 - Tech Trends Lesson Plan
Lesson Plan Description
In this lesson plan, the teacher uses an iPad to digitally publish children's writings. The children go through the process of selecting their favorite writing for publication. Then the children modify and edit the writing using peer review and recommendations. When the writing is ready for publishing, the teacher assists the child in converting their pages into a digital book.
Why the Included Technology is Important for Learning
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Ipads and other tablets are starting to gain popularity in school districts surrounding my own. Within the next year or two our school is expecting to adopt some form of tablet computing. This summer our school purchased a few IPads and Kindle Fires for use in the summer school program as a test to their efficacy in teaching small groups of children.
Although my school is behind in adopting tablet computing compared to other local school districts, we seem to be right on track according page 15 of the Horizon Report 2012;K-12 Edition (page 19 in the document on the right). The Horizon Report states that tablet computing will be adopted within a year or less.
What is also very nice about tablet computing compared to using a standard computer is the eye hand coordination is connected. The fact that a child can touch the screen exactly where they want to interact makes tablets much more accessible to young children compared to using a mouse based computer where the interaction is not as directly connected.
Reflection About the Assignment
I really enjoyed this assignment. As an early childhood educator, you are always looking for ways to show and share with parents what their children are doing in school. I chose to use digital publishing because that is just one more way I can share with parents the work the children do in school.
This was my first experience with the Horizon Report. It was a very interesting read. I like how well written it is and how it lays out lots of way to use the different technologies. This will give me great information to share with my administration when asking for new technology. I am especially interested in the game based learning, with a projected time to adoption of 3-5 years.
I already use hands-on style learning games in the classroom. I know from this experience that games are very good at helping children learn because games are, by definition, a playful way to solve a problem. Sometimes adjusting a game's problem to fit specific academic needs can be as subtle as changing CandyLand® color cards to cards that have the colors written out. Sometimes the adaptations are more obvious such as Bingo Math or Sight Word Old Maid.
I am very interested in incorporating technology centered game based learning in my kindergarten classroom. I am going to start with the links and references that are in the Horizon Report. I also noticed that one of the references include Minecraft. Minecraft, coincidentally, is having a camp this August centered around game based learning. I am seriously considering attending this camp.
How This Assignment Aligns with AECT Standards
1.1 Instructional Systems Design (ISD)
“Instructional Systems Design (ISD) is an organized procedure that includes the steps of analyzing, designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating instruction”
- This assignment aligns with AECT 1.1 because I analyzed a need and designed instruction to fit that need.
1.3 Instructional Strategies
“Instructional strategies are specifications for selecting and sequencing events and activities within a lesson”
- This assignment aligns with AECT 1.3 because I chose the sequence of events within the lesson to optimized student learning.
3.1 Media Utilization
“Media utilization is the systematic use of resources for learning”
- This assignment aligns with AECT 3.1 because after choosing a technology, I planned to use that technology resource for learning.
3.2 Diffusion of Innovations
“Diffusion of innovations is the process of communicating through planned strategies for the purpose of gaining adoption”
- This assignment aligns with AECT 3.2 because I chose a technology that is not yet adopted by my school with the intention of using this lesson to aid in the adoption of this technological resource in the future.
3.3 Implementation and Institutionalization
“Implementation is using instructional materials or strategies in real (not simulated) settings.”
- This assignment aligns with AECT 3.3 because I will be using these instructional materials in a real setting.
