Streamlining Lessons

In the interest of simplifying expectations, I believe that students should have two long term goals over the course of their initial instruction.

Goal One:  Students will create a blog in which they create framework where they will list all of their digital artifacts.


Objectives:

1.  TSW create their own blog complete with pages listing the various areas of specific to state standards.  It will be identical to this blog in that regard.
2. TSW follow the instructions provided to create a digital artifact as outlined on this blog.
3. TSW be assigned to critique the work of three peers by posting a review on the page of the artifact in question.  (A rubric will be used to demonstrate what is acceptable.)
4. TSW will respond to the critiques appropriately.  (A rubric will be used to demonstrate what is acceptable.)
5. TSW will respond to the teacher's response both in writing and making changes to their artifact, page, posts, etc. 
6. TSW will view the grade assigned and will have an opportunity to make changes improve their score if necessary.
7. TSW will write a short synopsis of the activity.  (A rubric will be used to demonstrate what is acceptable.)

Goal Two:  Students will practice their newfound skills using Khan Academy by watching videos and completing exercises thereby accumulating energy points.

Objectives:

1. TSW view videos posted on this blog that directly correspond to the materials covered in class as informed by state standards.
2. TSW complete corresponding exercises earning x amount of energy points that demonstrate a basic understanding of the materials covered in the video.
3. TSW use class time to earn as many energy points on the topics listed in the time allowed for practice.

Conclusion:  Students will be given class time to create their own digital artifact that they can use as a resource to aid them in completing activities.  Once they have begun working in Khan Academy, they can edit their digital artifact to reflect new information that they might need in order to be successful to complete these activities.

Here is an example of how students could create an online mind map to learn about exponents. Check out the updated lesson on the Page titled, "Laws of Exponents."

Snipping Tool and Snagit

Next week I want to create a Page titled, "Tools."  On this page students will learn how to use the Snipping tool found on Wndows 7 to record digital artifacts.  Some ideas on things they could record:

• Multiplication Quiz Scores (Check this link when logged out of Blogger)
• Exercises completed using DocHub.
• ??

Also, I want to get acquainted with Snagit.  This would be a neat tool to use in class on days I plan on being absent, but it would also be a useful way for students to demonstrate their knowledge of Scientific Notation.  

Students create their own blog.

As I am putting this blog together, it occurs to me that students should create their own blog.  In it they could create a series of artifacts that would be grouped together in one spot.

Creating a template that covers the first nine weeks would be essential.  Students could explore the
curriculum while learning how to manipulate a number of of Web 2.0 tools.

Of course I'm relying on having a classroom where students would have access to computers all the time. Strong possibility I'll not be so lucky.  One of the goals for completing this blog would be to create worksheets or paper pencil artifacts that students could use create rough drafts that could be used later

Student Artificats

With today's modern resources, it should be possible for students to pick and choose the materials they find interesting and engaging.  This would result in students being much more proactive about how they learn curriculum, while simultaneously causing them to take more ownership of their education.