TPACK Project - Planning

Here are the links to my lesson plans:

Science lesson plan

Language Arts lesson plan

Mathematics lesson plan

Week 11 PLE

I watched the following two movies:

Bookends of War

Inside Kapunahala

The main thing I noticed about the children's feelings and reactions in using technology in the classroom was that they seemed very involved and active in the process - more than in a lot of other types of assignments, they seemed to be proud of their work and to really take ownership of it. I think part of the reason for this is that they see it as worthwhile and part of the "real world." Using technology also keeps them interested and gives them multiple modes to learn through (visual, auditory, dynamic, etc.) They seem excited about what they are doing and more knowledgeable and confident in their content knowledge than the average student. Even the young kids are excited to play their unique part in the technological project! It's fun and creative and it belongs to them. And while they are enjoying themselves, they are also learning to collaborate and to help one another!

Week 10

The most important thing I learned from the videos this week is that technology can have tons of benefits when used in a classroom with even very young students. This is especially true when it is used for legitimate purposes that apply to real life. Technology can be used to enrich content learning AND to teach students how to find answers to questions they encounter in real life. It also seems to fit really well with the important concepts of integration and inquiry learning. Technology can also be a very exciting tool for students to use and for parents to see the results of their children's work with. Furthermore, using technology in the classroom naturally leads to lessons on other important topics such as copyright laws, is especially helpful for those who don't have computers at home, and helps to prepare all students for life in this modern technological world!

I interviewed a 2nd grade teacher. I was surprised to find out how many technologies she has available to her in the classroom. The classroom contains a computer (PC), a stereo, an overhead projector, a TV, a VCR, and a DVD player. Just a few days ago it also had installed a new projector that is attached to the ceiling. Soon they will be getting a camera that magnifies objects and projects them onto the wall.

The teacher I talked with said she very much looks forward to getting the camera and that she always wanted a new projector so that is exciting. She also said that if she had a bigger classroom she would wish to have a mini-computer lab for the students to play math games, type up their stories, etc.

I asked the teacher if the school she teaches at has other technologies available outside of the classroom. She told me about the 2 computer labs in the school. Each lab has about 30 computers and the second graders visit one of the labs once a week. Perhaps 3 times a year they also have the opportunity to do research online.

I also asked the teacher how often she uses the technologies in her classroom and she said she uses the TV 3-4 times a month, and the old overhead projector once a month, but will probably use the new overhead projector much more often, perhaps 3 times a week. The students also frequently listen to music on the stereo, including a character building program that has catchy songs to teach the kids to be nice and to take care of themselves. The teacher also uses the computer and the internet herself every day to help in planning lessons.


I completed parts 1 and 2 of the PLE assignment.