Mutlimedia projects versus Written Papers

The advantages of written assignments are well known. They help the student to think critically about a topic, learn to research and gather facts, analyze situations and apply creative thought processes to learning. Not only does writing a paper foster all of these aspects of education, it teaches grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, etc. Written papers are also a way for teachers to evaluate the progress of a student and ensure they are grasping a concept. Though the idea is new, there are also many advantages to a multimedia project being used in the classroom. Students could collaborate with one another to create a class project on a certain topic, or create individual presentations to demonstrate facts or support their opinion in regard to a given assignment. I feel it is important to still assign written work to students but to also incorporate multimedia lessons and tasks as part of the process. Students could be asked to write a short history of an event, or person, accompanied with a photostory slide show.
"The Power of One" demonstrates one possibility of using multimedia along with another assignment. The facts for that presentation required research, the narration required editing and writing in proper form. Adding the visual aid to the statistics gives the presentation more impact.
The NETS-T states the teachers should "1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity
Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments. Teachers: c. promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students' conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes."
Also, "2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments
Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessment incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS•S. Teachers: a. design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity."

Group Webquest Assignment

Creative Encounter and Poetry of war were our top two choices. Creative Encounters engaged the students in a group activity and gave them a creative way of learning. Every group would have a different way of creating a number system and everyone in the group would have a different job. Poetry of war was our other top pick because it engages the students in a more critical way of thinking. Children had to read poems and create their own. The Students had to also be creative by drawing pictures and describing it as well. The worst ones were The Diary of John Wilkes Booth and The Problem with Landfills. The diary of John Wilkes Booth provided way too much information and would have lost the students interest. Some of the information was irrelevant. The Problem with Landfills was hard for children to get sources. It could have also been more age appropriate. Best means the one that facilitates the most creative and analytical thinking and processes and the worst means those that lack interest and group interaction.

Photostory ~ What makes a good teacher?

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Resume

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blogging activities relevant to the ISTE/NETS for Teachers

There are many ways to utilize a blog in the classroom.  Students could use the blog to write a collective continuation of a story previously read in class.  Each could add a piece to the story and tell what happened to the characters. Assignments could be given to aid in the development of a new story or to create new adventures. 
Doing this would meet the ISTE/NETS for Teachers, number 1)Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments. C)promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students' conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes.

Also, older students could use the blog to care for and monitor the growth of their individual plants, such as a sunflower.  They will be responsible for recording changes and forming a hypothesis based on the differences in care and environment when plant growth is compared on the blog.  This would also meet the first ISTE/NETS for Teachers, letter D)model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual environments.

A blog activity that I would like to use as a teacher is a teacher-parent-student blog.  A blog that I can post daily activities, homework, announcements and general information to.  Parents could use it as a fast way to contact me or to monitor what their child is learning.  Students can communicate with each other for assignments and check the blog for homework or test information. 
This meets standard 4)Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility, letter A)advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources.

This is my first blog... and so far I am excited by the possibilities!