CEP812_Professional Learning Plan

Professional Learning Plan

Enjoy :)

WPP Part D: Findings and Implications_CEP 812

Formatively, the project did get implemented and used as planned. I very much enjoyed the idea of online bell work and it was a relativelysimple way to get kids accustomed to using Google docs. As I said in Part C, there were some annoyances in terms of there being too many google docs to keep track of. I was able to, at the end of the Julius Caesar unit see all of their responses--all kids, as I checked them in on Friday, did a great job copying the question and their response in order by date. They were all in the same place, and onyl a few kids missed some of the questions. Their answers were much more thoughtful than the in-class/written responses had been in the past few years. I really enjoyed the process and kids thought it was very cool that everyone got to see their answers. This way, even though it was anonymous, they knew the whole class would be seeing their answer the next day, and they wanted to be one of the answers we discussed.

Summatively, I can gauge kids' success when addressing the problem of practice by their ability to easily follow the plan. Every night there would be a question that related to the reading in some way or another and it was their job to write an anonymous response, but then to also post to their own individual google doc that is shared with me. I had certain requirements in terms of length or examples. They could also edit down their response if the answer was too personal when posting to the class' Doc.

Given what I have learned throughout this process, I would approach another project of this type differently in that I would have only one Google Doc, meaning they would have to write their name/initials next to their response. It was just too difficult as there were then about 58 individual Google docs I had to check at the end of the unit that were shared with me. I think it may be easier to not have the anonymity, but still maintain the process.

Lessons learned that others might benefit from knowing about are concerning the annoyance of requiring individual Google docs, and I also may engage a new requirement in terms of having kids have to comment on at least ONE other student's response. Perhaps they would have to do this the next day after all responses are entered.

I will most likely endeavor to do the same project again. I will change it perhaps in what I said above-I will get rid of the individual doc requirement, and make sure they label their name next to their post. This will save me some headaches. There could always be a day where I tell them not to put their name next to their response if it is a personal question. I can play it by ear.

Some conclusions and recommendations I can make to others after going through the process of addressing a "wicked problem" are to have kids respond to the use of Google docs. I had them evaluate the process, so that I could see if they liked the idea of sharing their bell works and with using this web-based program instead of paper and pencil. I also had them evaluate whether they would start to use Google docs in the future with other assignments/drafts of essays/etc.

WPP Part C: Implementation_CEP812

WPP Part C-Implementation:

            In terms of my implementation plan of utilizing Google Docs in my classroom I have had a lot of good surprises. A lot of kids already knew how to use Google Docs and were aware with most of its features. Things have gone surprisingly well. We moved to a completely web-based form of bell work so far (we’ve had sort of a packed unit with Julius Caesar/snow days/mid-winter break last week), but basically instead of coming in and doing their bell work first thing, they are doing it online/at home and typing their response. I have shared a Google Doc for Bell Work with them (we still call it Bell Work J) and each day I type in the entry they will answer that night. It’s been a bit more thoughtful considering there’s no rush and they know only I know what they, specifically, wrote. They’re excited each day to see what I will post when I put all of the responses onto the screen using the projector. As of right now they are not leaving their initials next to their post. What they are doing is kind of cool and easy for them. They are then creating their own Google doc that is only shared with me and I can simply see all of their individual answers. They just copy and paste into the class Google doc. Some kids will volunteer answers, but most of the time they get to comment without fear of sharing, which goes along with that whole idea of back channeling and giving a voice to those who don’t normally vocalize theirs. Surprisingly enough, based on a survey I had them complete, they find this process much more compelling and interesting (although it does sometimes take longer when sharing). My plan, moving forward with Google Docs, is to have them each, at the end of the Julius Caesar unit, share their Google doc’d Julius Caesar Persuasive ACT-style essay  with me since they now all have my gmail email. Below is a screenshot of their responses to a Bell Work question.

            In terms of unexpected bumps, there haven’t been too many. The kids who do not have computers/internet at home have been able to get to the LMC before leaving school, or they can use another lab’s computer to complete the assignment so they don’t have to worry. The other “bump” is the annoyance of having to check so many Docs (I have 58 sophomores). It’s a lot to keep track of, but as of right now, I’m managing—especially since I don’t have to check their individual bell work documents until the end of the unit. It also gives them time to go back and make up any they didn’t do. In terms of revision, I’m thinking I would make them put their initials and I would start asking them to comment on at least one other person’s post. That way I don’t have to check through 58 separate Google Docs.

            With delights, I have generally been delighted with the use of it. I think, especially with the Caesar essay coming up promptly, they will have no excuses when they say they haven’t completed drafts because having it shared with me I can provide feedback as they’re going through the writing process. I think I touched on my delights with the surprises.

Mobile Learning Lab_812

I spent some time exploring Classroom 2.0 and liked the various features (webinars, recordings, etc.) that are available for educators. I added it to my RSS feed, and I'm looking forward to reading more posts when I have some extra time. Below is the screenshot of a post regarding iPad use in the classroom. Our building just got iPads for each teacher (1 per teacher) and we will be getting WiFi sometime in the near future (fingers crossed). 

Additionally, with exploring the various roles mobile learning can have in the classroom, I created an initial survey question that I normally use along with other related reading questions on a written survey for all of my students to help me get to know them as a reader. The focus of all the questions will be on reading. What I like about this particular website is that there are many ways to poll students. For instance, it can be an online website, polled via text messages, embedded into a Prezi, etc. I have attached a screenshot of what the "text message" poll looks like.

I was first told about text message polling through a colleague at MSU who tried it for one of her case studies. She did say that it was a bit time consuming to get permission from the principal and from parents (in regards to text messaging rates), but thought it was well worth it. This was two years ago, and most Acceptable Use Policies have been modified since then to accommodate for mobile technology in the classroom. I know that the high school where I teach plans to modify our AUP for this fall. I think using text messaging polls/surveys can be beneficial for gathering inventory on students for particular purposes (i.e. opinions about reading) or for short answer questions. For instance, I could see this being a great "quick quiz" tool for grammar or vocabulary. Prior to using this in my class though, I will have to get permission from my principal, check the new AUP, and okay it through parents. I'll also have to have alternatives for those students who may not have text messaging capabilities or a cell phone. Most of my students would be able to partake in this kind of survey/poll as most have smartphones, if not iPhones, and are very capable of doing all things technology. We are also right now in the stages of having green-red-yellow light classrooms in terms of cell phone and other technology usage varying by teacher/classroom. Overall, I really liked Poll Everywhere over other websites I have used because it offers a variety of choices to educators, as mentioned above, and I look forward to introducing it.

Data Visualization_CEP 812

For this lab, I visited Karl Gude's Wiki: http://freevisualtools.wikispaces.com/ and spent some time interacting with different visualization tools. At first it was overwhelming with all the different categories to click on to visit. As I started thinking about some things I want to improve on in my classroom, it became easier to narrow down what I might actually use. One tool I already use and love is Diigo. After seeing it on the list I realized it would be equally beneficial for my students. We do a big research assignment in each grad level to work on incorporating research into their writing and having a Diigo would be a great way for students to keep track of their resources. They wouldn't have to copy them down or email them to themselves, they could bookmark it and log-in from anywhere to work on their project. I really think some of my students would love this tool. 

I also checked out Bubbl which is allows students to make a bubble chart. I liked it for something like brainstorming, where students could take an idea and break it down into smaller parts. It would also work well for something like a character map where students could make a family tree or just explore characteristics of a character. I also checked out Animoto, which is a place where students can turn photos and music into videos. I often have students use MovieMaker tocreate videos based on their "Where I am From" poems. When they use MovieMaker they have to work from one computer or transfer their workaround. If they use Animoto, they can work from anywhere and access the project online. All of the tools I played around with would make a promising addition to my students. I finally decided on Glogster because I could make an interactive assignment for my students and also give them an example so they could later create their own Glogster. One of the units we do in Honors English 9. We discuss a lot about the impacts of technology on our society, schools, etc. and we also read and discuss a lot about advertising and product placement and its implications. There is a lot of reading of articles with annotation, note taking, reflection and responses, and it can get a bit tedious and redundant, so I decided for this exact reason a Glogster would be perfect. It was fairly easy to use and put together. It took me awhile to get a hang of the features, but once I did it was fun to put together. This represents visual representations of the articles they will read prior to looking at examples of product placement to help them more clearly understand what it is and what its implications are in terms of advertising and our society. Certain "ah-ha" moments came when I was searching more videos to place on the Glogster. There were so many excellent examples both satiric/overt and covert. They will have a lot of fun watching these and incorporating references into their response to the articles they've read. This will also contribute well to our follow-up discussion.

Product Placement Video Assignment for my Honors 9 English students during their Non-fiction Media Unit.

Flipped PD_CEP812

Our group's final Flipped PD presentation deals with the use of Google docs in the classroom. It depicts for teachers basic and advanced functions. Before the PD day we may ask teachers to fill out the following Pre-Presentation Survey so we can gauge where they are in terms of their Google Docs knowledge. Just as it's always important to know your students, in this way we will know how much knowledge they have before we get to the PD day. They will then use our instructional video to begin reviewing or learning the functions and purposes of Google docs. The PD's agenda would then be about reviewing those concepts and discussing uses within the classroom. While they watch the Final Flipped PD Presentation they will have the opportunity to practice skills as they go. As it tells them to there will be moments for them to pause and try what is being asked of them. Each teacher will be able to assess their learning while providing feedback to the PD instructors using this Google Docs Feedback Form so we can see if they have any questions as they're working or any challenges they are facing and then they can be addressed during the PD session. The PD time will then be for answering any and all of their questions. They can then breakout within departments for work time and brainstorm time for how these tools can be used in the classroom. Each department's goal should be to create a workable/usable Google doc that can be immediately implemented in their classroom. The next step will be to have teachers take a Post-Presentation Exit Survey so we can see what needs to be improved upon for next time.

CEP 812_Mullins_WPP Part B REDO

WPP Redo Part B

            The problem is that students do not have a place that they can share simultaneously with other students on the web that is safe and secure, and they do not have a place that they can always access whether they are home, away, at school, or on their phones. This is where Google docs comes in. The following podcast will revolve around TPACK and the associated innovative ideas teachers can use when incorporating Google Docs into their classroom.

Flipped PD_CEP 812 General Outline of Assignments + Drafts of Storyboard and Presentation

Plan for video:
OBJECTIVES:
1. Teachers will be able to create and open a Google wp doc
2. They will be able to understand and use basic functions of Google docs
3. They will learn how to share the document with other people and communicate while working with others/collaborating
4. They will learn to share, review revision history, add a link, change privacy settings
5. Teachers will, at the end of this Flipped PD, understand how to use Google Doc and understand the benefits to students over a normal word document

ORDER:
1. Purposes of Google docs over a traditional word doc/general uses for teachers (Emily)
2. Craig’s screenshots of opening a doc
3. Video of student doing the same--talks through how to open one, talks through how to share (Emily)
4. Screenshots of sharing a document, and other basic functions (Jason)
5. Linking in the document  (Katie)
6.  Changing Privacy Settings  (Katie)
7.  Revision History  (Katie)
5. Check for understanding task ??  Poll, Quiz?  Insert Google Form?  Have teachers “create” a google doc and share with the PD instructors? Post questions they still have?   Questions in the google doc.??  otherwise, post where?  They could put them in the Google Doc that is shared or they could post them in a Google Form like you suggested?

Draft of Storyboard

Draft of Flipped PD

Script for Beginning Slides

Beginning Slides

Group Meeting_CEP 812: Web Conferencing for Flipped PD

Google Hangout Web Conference for Flipped PD

YouTube Version

This was a really important step to take in terms of face to face interaction (even though for some reason I can't see anyone but they can all see me) and I think my gruop really needed some time to flesh out or ideas and verbally discuss the steps we would each take in completing this problem. Craig and I had already spoken a few days prior on Google Hangout and although his mic didn't work this time when Katie was able to join us, he was able to communicate via the chat mode. He and I had already come up with the idea and we just wanted to hear Katie's ideas and suggestions regarding our plan. This was a great step in really getting the ball rolling.

Besides Craig not being able to speak and Katie and I having to make sure we were paying attention to his chat comments, there were no awkward or surprising moments. The group considered a lot of different mediums for creating not just the final project, but each individual portion, the storyboard and the script. Katie thought it might be good to map out our project first just in our already shared google space, and then to use Google presentation to storyboard it out. We discussed using video or students, screenshots taken by us, audio over those screenshots/slides/video and finall Craig offered to put it all together using Camtasia although iMovie was offered by Katie and me. We plan to conference again this week once all individual roles are fullfilled. I will absolutely use Google docs in my room and also discuss it with fellow educators in my building.

WPP Part B Podcast_Mullins

WPP Part B Podcast

WPP Podcast Part B Try 2 Just in Case

CEP 812 Introduction_Mullins

CEP 812 Video Introduction for Emily Mullins

CEP 812 Wicked Problem Project

Part A: Identify a wicked problem of practice 

The description of the need or opportunity should be a written overview of what you plan to address. It should specify:

   * The educational need or opportunity: As a high school English and journalism teacher, my students do a lot of writing, and there is a constant need for having their drafts available to them. My students need the ability to access their writing even if it is saved on their shared H Drive or for my newspaper students, saved on their N drive. My students often come in with late drafts because they may have forgotten to email a copy of their drafts to themselves or they left their flash drive at home when they needed it at school. I believe it will be important for creating a drive where they can access their material from anywhere. I believe it would be important in such a digitally-driven age for my students to each have a Google drive they can share with me and with their classmates. This would be perfect for having edits completed whether it be for their articles or during the drafting process for their English papers.

   * Your technology-integrated strategy: I will have each student sign up for Google docs by creating a Google account. This way they can share their document with me and other students. The purpose is not only for access, but I could also then use to engage them in projects that requires them to share work with fellow students. We just recently did a Mash-up project in my honors English 9 class where they needed to be equally involved in the writing of the story that involved characters from all four of the novels we read this semester and also a visual component. If I had had them each sign up they could have been working on their project from the comfort of their homes and not only be able to get together in person when in school but over the computer when at home. 

   * Logistics of a solution: A solution will be found when students are comfortable sharing their writing/blog/parts of projects with other students and with me. The integration of Google docs and other aspects of the Google drive into their learning will be logistically sound. We will begin by learning to collaborate on one doc they have requested to join and thus begin simply. I can prove the concept of the importance of a share workspace for drafting, working on group projects, and live editing within the Google doc. Although there are limits on who can edit at the same time, present at the same time, etc. the limit will not provide an issue for the cap on my classes is much lower than the collaborator limit.

   * Research which supports your strategies: In terms of those who have already used Google docs in their classrooms, by collaborating with one another in a shared workspace their work is then completely validated because it’s authentic learning, and it’s meaningful. Other teachers have noted the collective working abilities of google docs which is incredibly useful when collaborating with homework, projects, and the editing/drafting process. Also I can have students watch presentations that are published so it remains protected and locked for editing. Although I retain control, they can spend as much time as necessary looking over the presentation. They can do the same with classmates by inviting viewers and not collaborators. Research has also showed the importance of the chat window during a presentation along with the ability to share links and images. Research has indicated that for English teachers, when doing reading response journals (which we often do after silent reading on Wednesdays) they are much more likely to engage in questions when they know I am monitoring their responses at the time they complete them. They can also have a digital conversation instead of a verbal one in the classroom when less children are likely to participate. I believe student participation and students engagement will increase. I also believe it will be more likely students will be able to give appropriate and thoughtful feedback. 

   * A plan based on research for implementation, indicating the portion to be completed during this course and after it is over: My plan involves having all students create an account and then within the contextual space of each class using it to present information to them, share important documents and have them collaborate with one another in a shared workspace. I can also require students to remark on others‘ presentation either in the chat window or below one’s presentation. The ability to provide feedback will be key. 

   * Indications of a successful project: I feel like I will know this is successful when we continue to use Google docs as a class, my journalism students use it to edit their articles when outside of the classroom, and when my English students use it during the drafting process and when collaborating on projects. I will know it is successful when they continue to use google docs even when it is not required. I will see its success through their remarks and if they are even more engaged and motivated in using this tool. 

   * Relevant resources and citations: 

"37 Interesting Ways to Use Google Docs in the Classroom." 37 Interesting Ways to Use Google Docs in the Classroom. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Jan. 2013.

"The Paperless Classroom with Google Docs - Apps User Group." The Paperless Classroom with Google Docs - Apps User Group. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Jan. 2013.

"Education Technology - Theory and Practice." : Google Docs for Teachers and Classrooms. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Jan. 2013.

811 Final Reflection

1. What are some things that you have learned about effective teaching strategies when integrating technology? 

I had never before been introduced to certain tools and technologies as I was in this course. The objectives were clear, and prior to this course, I was not familiarized with UDL Principles or STaIR which I feel were both beneficial in terms of their creation and application. I do plan to use my STAIR, with some changes based on instructor/peer feedback. In terms of effective teaching strategies when integrating technology into the classroom, I need to base my decisions not on just what seems cool, but what will be the most relevant to their learning and what will be the most meaningful. Many times we introduce technology because we think we have to, but well-thought out plans like the STAIR and the implementation of UDL principles will make integrating technology at certain points effective and meaningful. 

2. How did integrating web-based technologies help you think about and evaluate uses of technology?

I have never really developed a website I actually believed I could use. A few years ago we made an online portfolio using iWeb, but nothing came of it. The ability to create a website I will actually use in my classroom was extremely helpful. I genuinely enjoyed making my Weebly Catcher in the Rye website and interacting with other web-based technologies. As I continue to evaluate the uses of technologies in my classroom, I think that reinforcing certain principles and prioritizing setting very clear objectives when using technology will be most helpful. 

How have you met your own personal goals for learning about technology integration?

Technology and I don't always go hand in hand. I get easily frustrated with it, so for me the idea of taking on these courses was always quite the challenge, so my goals were always to be to take risks and try things I may never have tried before. This included the course itself but also decisions regarding implementation within the classroom. I feel from this course more able to make using technology relevant and effective in my teaching. I feel more confident, as I hoped, when using new technological tools. Learning is a life long journey and my teaching goals are constantly changing. 

Do you have any new goals? What are your plans for reaching your new goals and your long-term goals after this course is over?

I don't necessarily have any new goals besides continuing to try new technology to make learning as meaningful and relevant as I can possibly make it for students. Even through this course, sometimes the easy choice is to use a worksheet or lesson we know for sure is simple and will work, but my goals are to not just use something because I for sure know it will work but to try to take risks and branch off. My goals will change as I become more and more familiar with new technologies. We just received iPads in our district, so my initial new goal is to try to uncover its uses and utilize it within my classroom. 

Online Experience

Talk about how you could use one of the technologies that qualify as an online experience with your students. 

• What content could this help you teach? 

I might choose to use a wiki, or a collaborative editing place on the web for peer editing purposes. Especially with lower students, making the editing process more useful and fulfilling is a hard road to sow. They often don’t take the editing process seriously, but if their edits were available for everyone to see, both the student who made the edits and the student who wrote the essay may take the process more seriously. 

Other cool ideas include online field trips with novels (Central Park/NY for Catcher, Rome for Julius Caesar, etc.), Online Resource Validation for any research process, an electronic portfolio for their written work, etc. 

• What type of pedagogical strategies might you use with your students? 

Certain strategies I may use with a wiki for paper editing purposes would be having each student look for certain specific aspects of the editing process with each paper i.e. one student looks at the hook, the next on the background, and the next on thesis, and so on and so forth. I would try to scaffold the process, and also try to model it first. It would be sort of a rotation, so what they are looking for changes. 

• What technologies do you think would be harder to use with your students? Why? 

I think certain technologies that may be more difficult to use in an English classroom would be an Interactive Discussion with Experts in just that it may be much more planning that would be involved, although it would be extremely cool to be able to use. 

Wikis

This is a screenshot of when I edited Berkley High School's Wikipedia Page because the link to our school's webpage was inaccurate and did not go to an available website.

Below is a link to my new wiki titled Journalism For Teachers. I think this will not only be a place I can share materials with other journalism teachers, but also a place I can keep all of my materials together.

UDL Guidelines-Educator Checklist

UDL Guidelines – Educator Checklist 

Provide Multiple Means of Representation:

Provide options for perception 1.1 Customize the display of information
Feature: The delivery of information is visual as well as auditory.

1.2 Provide alternatives for auditory information

1.3 Provide alternatives for visual information
Feature: PowerPoint of information and examples available. There is also a run through with the teacher going through his or her research practice.


Provide options for language and symbols 2.1 Define vocabulary and symbols
Feature: Certain research and internet related vocabulary is defined, however this could also be a barrier because there lacks a time to depict examples of the vocab.

2.2 Clarify syntax and structure

2.3 Decode text and mathematical notation

2.4 Promote cross-linguistic understanding
Barrier: Use screenshots for visual representation of terminology.

2.5 Illustrate key concepts non-linguistically

Provide options for comprehension
3.1 Provide or activate background knowledge
Feature: As they have already done research and they already have access to computers and the internet, it is not about just access, but accessing their prior knowledge and getting them to use this knowledge in a new way.

3.2 Highlight critical features, big ideas, and relationships

3.3 Guide information processing
Feature: By scaffolding their learning process, I go through examples, definitions, the whole how-to process visually and allow them to practice before delving straight into the project itself.

3.4 Support memory and transfer
Feature: They need to be able to transfer what was done before them as an example and what they practiced to the real deal.

Provide Multiple Means for Action and Expression:

Provide options for physical actions

4.1 Provide varied ways to respond
Barrier: There are not varied response formats.

4.2 Provide varied ways to interact with materials
Barrier: There is really only one way to interact with materials.

4.3 Integrate assistive technologies
Feature/Barrier: All computers are the same.

Provide options for expressive skills and fluency
5.1 Allow choices of media for communication
Barrier: Only using the internet, however, there are different databases students can use.

5.2 Provide appropriate tools for composition and problem solving

5.3 Provide ways to scaffold practice and performance
Feature: There are definitely times before the actual project begins for students to practice using the the Michigan Electronic Library and to practice, with feedback, figuring out which sites with information are credible.

Provide options for executive functions
6.1 Guide effective goal setting
Barrier: Ultimately, the goal (the finished project) is laid out for students, but if there were checkpoints where they had to create their own goals of completion it might make them more aware of that the need to complete and by what due date.

6.2 Support planning and strategy development
Feature: There are due dates in place, scaffolded practice and with feedback provided as sort of checkpoints.
Barrier: Make more manageable, and change if necessary for students.

6.3 Facilitate managing information and resources
Barrier: The actual project assignment contains a graphic organizer to help manage their process, but this part of the lesson that is leading up to that project work needs more structure.

6.4 Enhance capacity for monitoring progress
Feature: Feedback is provided throughout the process.


Provide Multiple Means for Engagement:
Provide options for recruiting interest
7.1 Increase individual choice and autonomy
Feature: What is actually researched in the scaffolding process is up to the learner and what is researched for the project we are building towards has limits but is ultimately their choice.

7.2 Enhance relevance, value, and authenticity

7.3 Reduce threats and distractions
Feature: This is a very low-stakes process, and there are not any real "threats."

Provide options for sustaining effort and persistence
8.1 Heighten salience of goals and objectives
Barrier: Develop ways for students to be able to make and meet shorter term objectives.

8.2 Vary levels of challenge and support
Barrier: Vary what needs to be completed and in what ways for different students.

8.3 Foster collaboration and communication
Barrier: Have aspects of the assignment where they can work in pairs/groups.

8.4 Increase mastery-oriented feedback
Feature: On each aspect of the assignment, feedback is designed to be able to be timely and efficient and useful.
Provide options for self-regulation
9.1 Guide personal goal-setting and expectations
Feature: Students are constantly aware of deadlines,due dates with rubrics, reminders, etc.

9.2 Scaffold coping skills and strategies
Feature: The scaffolding and step-by-step and day-by-day process makes this project and the before aspects very do-able.

9.3 Develop self-assessment and reflection
Feature: There is a great deal of explicit instruction and modeling done before they are sent out on their "own" to self-regulate their learning and project process.



© "http://www.cast.org" CAST 2009

Evaluation of a WebQuest

Evaluation of a Webquest: The Crucible Background Research

(I did not know how to complete a ScreenShot, so I just linked to it below the evaluation).

1. Synopsis of the WebQuest including its intended audience, its educational goals, and the curriculum standards addressed if stated:

The WebQuest looked into was one created for high school students who are about to begin The Crucible by Arthur Miller. It’s goals are for students to have students develop prior knowledge about the Salem Witch Trials, Arthur Miller, McCarthyism/The Red Scare/The Cold War and Puritanism before beginning to read. It has an extension activity that either has students only researching one part and sharing the information verbally with other students who researched a different aspect of the background information, or creating a PowerPoint and a works cited page and sharing with the class. This way each student is not doing the whole WebQuest, but learning from other groups of students who are now the “experts” on one part of the WebQuest. Some standards addressed, although not listed are, in terms of craft and structure, because some of the materials found from the part of the WebQuest on the Salem Witch Trials is evidence from petitions and letters from 1692, students have to decipher meaning, they have to determine central ideas of a text within different sources when the WebQuest asks them to summarize, and based on certain questions about an article on why Arthur Miller wrote the Crucible, they have to determine his point of view and purpose. It is very clear in its goals and focuses for the students. Clearly, these are elements they must learn about and understand before they begin reading. It itself makes clear the curriculum’s intentions and what the end result will be--understanding each aspect of this background information to gain necessary prior knowledge. It does not, however, contain much of an introduction or process steps, until the steps are given for creating the PowerPoint after the research is done. This is a short-term Webquest, 2 days max.

2. What pedagogical strategies are employed in the WebQuest and are they effective? Is there use of metaphor? Are they using inductive or deductive strategies? Is there scaffolding? What other strategies do you see?  

There is very simple instructions to follow. For instance, it will tell students the website and then the heading/sub heading to click on to be able to read for the answers in the following questions. It will also ask students to either copy down information verbatim, to paraphrase,  or to summarize the information given. There is no use of a metaphor, although they do need to know and understand what an allegory is to understand the connection between the Salem Witch Trials and McCarthyism. I believe they are using deductive strategies because there are answers are not necessarily open ended and they are only using the evidence they are given to answer questions, however, it may also be inductive because they are experiencing and observing the information they are drawing conclusions about. There is not much scaffolding because the whole WebQuest asks very clear questions and directs students where to go to get the information being asked of them. The Strategies that as an English teacher I find very important are asking the kids different kinds of questions that require different answers such as asking them to paraphrase or summarize, or interpret. These are all important skills to learn as readers, writers, and researchers. 

3. In what ways is the WebQuest taking advantage of technology? In what ways is it 'change without difference'? Could this WebQuest be done just as well by photocopying pages and handing them out to students?

It is taking advantage of the use of different websites, and it also gives the students the chance to, after answering questions and taking notes, to become the experts and share their information through the creation of an easy-to-read and take notes with PowerPoint. I don’t think the WebQuest is change without difference. I believe through this process they are able to take ownership much more of a certain aspect of the background as they will become the teachers of that information. I don’t think they would get them same engagement out of simply being handed print-outs of this information. Having to look for it gives an added excitement and ‘difference’ to this assignment. It also seems like a much more manageable task, instead of handing kids packets of information, this, to them, looks doable. 

4. Technically, does it work? Does it have bugs or flaws such as broken links or images? Is the material out of date? Does it credit its sources?

There was one broken link that was discovered, but students should definitely be able to be creative in looking up that information through different channels. They just need to be thoughtful when using a search engine. It does work though. Each aspect of the WebQuest credits where the information would be taken from, and each source itself is credible and verifiable. 

5. How would you improve the WebQuest?

I might leave room for more questions that allow for less direct answers, and more interpretive ones. 

See Crucible WebQuest Below.

See the PowerPoint/Group Process and Rubric steps Below.

MERLOT Evaluation

MERLOT Evaluation of Uncle Tom's Cabin and American Culture by Stephen Railton of the University of Virginia

http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=89999
http://utc.iath.virginia.edu/index2f.html

In a few short weeks, the students in my 9th grade Honors English class will be beginning Huck Finn by Mark Twain, and we will be reading excerpts of Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe to further their understanding of the historical and cultural context surrounding that time period in the south. 

Quality of Content:

1. The software does appear to present valid (correct) concepts, models, and skills as it seems to come from credible sources, and the documentation of sources is extensive. The range of materials available is also extensive. It ranges from anti-slavery texts to christian texts, from minstrel shows to pro-slavery responses, and even to African America responses and American reviews. It has articles going all the way back to 1852-1930.
2. The software presents educationally significant concepts, models, and skills for the discipline because it provides outside texts that are both historical fiction and non-fiction and can be used to supplement the reading of Huck Finn. It connects different aspects of the text to a larger historical and cultural issue that plagued the US for a very long time. IT also has a multitude of ways to view the information at hand, so it can be accessible for a variety of students and educators. 

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching-Learning Tool:

1. The stage(s) in the learning process/cycle these materials could most likely be used would be in the beginning stages of introducing the background and setting of the story, so in terms of the explanation it would make the most sense. It could also be used as a demonstration, or further exploration of the reading of Huck Finn itself. So once kids already have a  grasp on what is going on in the south at this time, here is another lens to look through, or another text by a different author to be used to gain context and understanding. It could be used in the practice or applying stages as well, as it itself is not the main text but a connection piece.
2. The learning objectives are of course an in-depth comprehension of the text, but also of the characters themselves through both direct and indirect characterization. Some essential questions that arise are:
1. How does one construct a hero?
2. How can we view these characters as heroes on a journey?
3. How do we further our understanding of the societal issues surrounding this text?
4. How does an individual confront social norms he/she disagrees with?
5. How can authors use comedy and satire to the serious work of challenging those norms?
6. How can the common elements of mythic tales help us understand this text?
7. Does the interactive/media-rich presentation of material improve faculty and students' abilities to teach and learn the materials?
3. I believe the use of this website can be readily integrated into current curriculum and pedagogy within the discipline. It is very user-friendly and has many supplemental information that will be extremely useful when leading students through the text. 
4. The software can be used in a variety of ways to achieve teaching and learning goals. It can be used to reinforce different perspectives, to hear first-hand accounts and responses as to what life was like in the 19th century and early 20th. 
5. As always, we want students to not only read the text, but feel as though they are a part of the text. We need them, as engaged and active readers, to be able to fully comprehend not just the plot and the characters, but the greater underlying issues that makes this story still timeless and relevant, but also historically, culturally and socially important. 
6. In terms of assignments for honors students, I think there can be many assignments one can use. Whether they are choosing an article to annotate or mark up and bring in to present as an artifact they are an expert on, or to use a think aloud process when going through an older text in partners, or even to simply explore what the site has to offer. I was thinking of even having the students, as it is a safe environment, present the differing  responses from the two points of views in terms of anti-slavery and pro-slavery. 

Ease of Use:

1. Are the labels, buttons, menus, text, and general layout of the computer interface consistent and visually distinct? The buttons are extremely easy to use, and based on the user, one can change the way they view the information--there's a search mode, browse mode or interpret mode. Browse does seem the easiest for me to handle visually. 
2. Does the user get trapped in the material? Not at all--even though there is a LOT of information to sort through.
3. Can the user get lost easily in the material? I guess one could if there wasn't something specific they were looking for and if they were simply just looking for any material that popped out to them as the were searching.
4. Does the module provide feedback about the system status and the user's responses? I'm not sure I understand this questions.
5. Does the module provide appropriate flexibility in its use? Yes, you can change up the way you view the information to suit your own style. 
6. Does the learning material require a lot of documentation, technical support, and/or instruction for most students to successfully use the software? I do not believe it does. 
7. Does the material present information in ways that are familiar for students? Absolutely. 
8. Does the material present information in ways that would be attractive to students? I think it may seem a bit out-dated in its presentation to some, but noting extremely unfamiliar to how information online has been presented before. 

Goal-directed Instructional Design Plan - English Research Emily Mullins

1. A problem or a need – there must be a problem of practice or an educational need that should be addressed during the lesson. As we finish the unit for Animal Farm, our research-based character sketch project requires 10th grade students to be able to identify and then utilize credible sources from the Internet. This has been a huge obstacle in the past. Students often immediately go to google, or use sources that allows for editing such as wikipedia. They will need to reapply this knowledge during the Julius Caesar unit.

2. A real-world performance – how the learning objective fit into a real-world activity or need. The ability to research, and most specifically to use the Internet to find credible sources is a tool students can use for the rest of their life. It is a wonderful skill to be able to discern which sources are credible and which are not. Students are already inundated with a constant flow of information, and they need to learn to analyze what they are being presented with. Research will absolutely be a part of their lives in that they will need to do research when buying a car, buying a house, etc. Having practice with research using credible house will prepare them for the future. They can transfer the knowledge that comes with practicing using credible sources to many other areas of their lives, not just for research papers for a grade.

3. An instructional objective – the objectives are based on the final outcome, activity or test. These objectives will each be different for the four types of knowledge; performing skills, recalling facts, identifying examples of concepts, and applying principles.  a. Students will take notes on what requirements credible sources must have.  b. Students will learn the basics about the Internet including web addresses, types of websites, why certain sites are the first to come up when a search is done on google/yahoo, using key terms when searching, etc. c. Formatively, students will take a quiz on what types of sources are credible or not. d. Students will go to the Media Center to be instructed on the use of databases from the Michigan Electronic Library, and they will use our media center’s checklist with each source they select to use in their paper.  e. Students will see sample sources and how they may be cited within an essay, along with a sample works cited page. f. Students will cite their sources on a works cited paper g. Students will annotate these selected articles. h. Students will write a paper using these sources to back up their claims with research.

4. A set of essential content – the basic ideas and skills that will allow the learner to complete the task or understand the content. Students will learn essential Internet terminology in terms of types of web addresses (.org, .edu, .com, etc.) and also how to utilize the Boolean system of searching (or at least in terms of using key words/phrases). Students will need to learn to gauge which sites will produce which types of information.

5. An evaluation consisting of a test or observation – an assessment, observation or product showing that the objectives can be accomplished in the real-world setting. This can be assessed in a multitude of ways, whether it be formatively or summatively.  One way I can begin to assess their knowledge of whether a source is credible or not, is by filling out the Media Center Credible Source Checklist Documents for each of the sources they plan to use in their Animal Farm Character Sketch Project. at the end of each checklist they then have to explain why the source was, in their own words, credible or not. They need to justify their use of that source in their paper. This will be an indication of how much they have understood since the lectures, use of examples, quiz, etc., but also what needs reiterating.  Using annotations of the full articles found, I can see also that they read the whole article to try and analyze whether or not it served as a credible source.  Perhaps before they turn in their final research project, they could create a Prezi or Glogster as a way to either present the information or have it constructed in a way that they can best understand as if they were to present it. In this way I can see what they took away from the information as being most important in terms of research, the Internet, credibility terminology, searching for sources, and deciding whether or not a source is credible. This could be done individually, in small groups, or in partners and could be presented on days before or in between going to the labs to research. Various discussions will also help me to gauge their level of understanding.  I will be able to fully analyze their ability to find and utilize credible sources once their paper has been turned in. I will be able to see whether the sources were from educational portals or databases of published articles.

6. A method to help participants learn – the method to deliver the content; a lesson.  1. Access prior knowledge--what do students normally do when researching? Discuss with them whether they always just go straight to google and click on the first source that is presented to them, or if they try different web searches and key terms to find what they need. Do they know that Wikipedia can be edited? Have they used like sources when they’ve done research in the past. This will allow me to see where students are in terms of their understanding of this concept 2. I have a handout that I use that goes through how sources are credible or not. It has Internet terminology listed, it discusses works cited within a paper but also the bibliography, and it goes through what it means to use sources within the context of school and otherwise. It also discusses accuracy, relevance, and reliability in terms of the websites/sources. This can either be projected with the use of a projector or through a PowerPoint-like presentation. Students will take notes and be able to ask questions as the class goes through to discuss. I will be able to demonstrate examples using my overhead projector as I go. I can also pull up where they can find the Media Center’s credibility checklist on its webpage.  3. After taking notes, discussing, taking a quiz, and then also discussing those answers, they will go to the lab to create Glogster/Prezi presentations,  individually or in pairs, of this information prior to actually researching.  4. After about two-tree days of creating their presentations and presenting, I will allow them to go to the lab to begin their research. The requirements will be that for each source they plan on using within their paper, they must also fill out a credibility checklist along with writing their own justification for using that specific source. I believe they will have been scaffolded enough at this point to be responsible for their own learning as they can apply all that we have done thus far.  5. I will check in the checklists as they go, as I will till them they cannot use a source if I have not signed off on its credibility. 6. Once I have signed off on their 3-4 sources, they can begin creating the actual paper/project.

● Motivation: ○ Meaningfulness – content and activities must have meaning for the learner As they know they are going to be doing a large project that requires research and is worth a major portion of their grade, this work should actually seem extremely meaningful because they know it will be of immediate and necessary use. It will also be presented in a way that if they learn this now, all research assignments in their future high school classes will go much more smoothly.  ○ Pleasant consequences – the effects that achieving the goal will have on the learner The students will have a better understanding of what sources are actually reliable and can actually serve the purpose of justifying their claims, because the credible source has also done research. The checklist will make them slow down the process an not just jump on the first webpage they see. They will actually have to read the article/document and justify their use of it. It makes them think about why or why not something can be considered reliable, and just because it is on the internet does not make it true. ○ Novelty – an attention-getting, humorous or curious manner that relates to the useful information in your lesson  I like to use examples about times that people purposely changed Wikipedia pages for their own benefit, or just to be funny. I also have pretty cool cartoons/pictures I use on documents to connect to the topic at hand.

● Socialization - a strong motivator for student learning They are all working towards the same goal. They are all in need of coming to understand and being able to apply the concepts being taught in a group discussion format. They can share their own knowledge and help each other through the process.

● Audience – For what audience are you designing this lesson? Consider the following: ○ Age High School Sophomores (ages 15-16) in regular English 10. ○ Skill level (including technology skills) As this is a regular English class, it has a wide variety of kids. Some kids may not have a computer at home and simply have difficulties using Microsoft word, and other may be extremely proficient. In this way those who are proficient may finish sooner or completed aspects of the assignment more quickly and thus can help those who are less than proficient.  ○ Prerequisite knowledge (including technology background) Students will have of course have used computers and done research in the past, but perhaps not in the way I am asking them to this time around. Some may know about the Michigan Electronic Library, some may never have heard of it It may depend on their previous English teacher or research assignment and its requirements. Their ability level will be completely different across the board. For another example, some may type quickly because they have a computer at home, while those who don’t, may need more time.

● Technology Needs – the computers, software, programs (such as Angel or other CMS’s) printers, equipment, Internet access, time in the computer lab will be needed to successfully complete your technology-rich lesson.     1. Computers     2. Printers     3. High-speed Internet     4. Basic technology and internet schools