Content Literacy Lesson Plan

Challenge 15

Challenge 15 required students to tell about their experiences working the the Flat Classrooms textbooks.  The survey was short and to the point.  It asked what students learned while using the textbook as well as different web based programs the student may or may not have used while working with the textbook.  At the end of the survey, students were asked for suggestions on how their experience could have been improved.  My thoughts were to create a weekly blog for students to follow while using the textbook. 

Challenge 14

Challenge 14 in the Flat Classrooms textbook calls for the student to collaborate with peers about the creation of a possible Flat Classroom workshop or conference.  Below is the generic schedule I would use if tasked with creating a schedule for such a conference.

Flattening the Classroom

Workshop Schedule

7:00 – 8:00                  Registration

8:00 – 8:30                  Welcome and Outline of Events

8:30 – 9:30                  What is a Flat Classroom?  Speaker:  Gregory Gray

                                                - Introduction to Flat Classrooms

                                                - Benefits of Flattening the Classroom

9:30 – 9:45                  Break

9:45 – 10:45                Preparing for a Flat Classroom Project

                                                - Finding Partner Schools

- Teaching Proper Internet Etiquette

                                                - Teaching Cultural Awareness

10:45 – 11:00              Break

11:00 – 12:00              The Planning Process.  Speaker: Jane Doe

                                                - Initial Planning

                                                - The Importance of Student Inclusion in the Planning Process

                                                - Obtaining Student Input for Project Outcomes

12:00 – 1:30                Lunch

1:30 – 2:30                  Legalities         Speaker:  John Doe

                                                - Internet Safety

                                                - Privacy Laws

                                                - Copyright Laws

2:30 – 2:45                  Break

2:45 – 4:00                  Project Ideas   Speaker:  Eddie Winslow

                                                - Example Projects

                                                - Success Stories

                                                - Distribution of Materials

Challenge 13

Challenge 13 requires students to suggest or join a group of people to pursue a plan to create a global project.  My idea was to have students contact students in other countries, involved in World War II, and learn about their perspectives on the causes and consequences of the war.  As Americans, we have "our version" of the war as other countries have "their versions" of the war.  To me, this would open students' minds to not only perspectives on the war, but open their minds to different cultures in the process. 

Challenge 11
Revised Lesson Plan

 Project:
Researching the countries directly involved in World War II

Time Required:
Students will be given 3 weeks to complete the project. Students will also be given one class period (50 mins) to research their topics in the computer lab.

Grade Level:
9

Alabama Course of Study Standards:
1. Describe causes and consequences of World War II (ACOS 14). 2. Describe post-World War II realignment and reconstruction in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, including the end of colonial empires (ACOS 15).

ISTE NETS Standards Addressed: 
1.       Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity
          b. Engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources
2.  Design and Develop Digital Age Learning Experiences and Assessments
          a. Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity
          b. Develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress
4. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility
          b. Address the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources

Description:

Students will choose a country directly involved in World War II. The students will research the countries and create either a PowerPoint presentation or a Prezi presentation on their chosen countries. The students will present their projects on the due date.

Teacher's Role:

The teacher will be responsible for:
1. Presenting a list of countries for students to choose from
2. Providing an outline of content requirements
3. Monitoring student research in the computer lab
4. Answering student questions on an "as needed" basis
5. Create a rubric for grading the projects

Students' Roles:

The students will:
1. Choose the country they wish to do their presentations on
2. Actively research their country's involvement in World War II
3. Develop a PowerPoint or Prezi presentation based on the criteria set forth by the teacher
4. Present their projects to the class

Assessment:
Students will be assessed according to their effort and in concurrence with the rubric the teacher creates for their projects.

Challenge 10

Lesson Plan

Project:  Researching the countries directly involved in World War II

Time Required:  Students will be given 3 weeks to complete the project.  Students will also be given one class period (50 mins) to research their topics in the computer lab. 

Grade Level:  9

Alabama Course of Study Standards:  1.  Describe causes and consequences of World War II (ACOS 14).  2.  Describe post-World War II realignment and reconstruction in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, including the end of colonial empires (ACOS 15).

Description:  Students will choose a country directly involved in World War II.  The students will research the countries and create either a PowerPoint presentation or a Prezi presentation on their chosen countries.  The students will present their projects on the due date.

Teacher's Role:  The teacher will be responsible for:
    1.  Presenting a list of countries for students to choose from
    2.  Providing an outline of content requirements
    4.  Monitoring student research in the computer lab
    5.  Answering student questions on an "as needed" basis
    6.  Create a rubric for grading the projects

Students' Roles:  The students will:
    1.  Choose the country they wish to do their presentations on
    2.  Actively research their country's involvement in World War II
    3.  Develop a PowerPoint or Prezi presentation based on the criteria set forth by the teacher
    4.  Present their projects to the class

Assessment:  Students will be assessed according to their effort and in concurrence with the rubric the teacher creates for their projects. 

Challenge 8

I participated in a Wiki project set up by one of my classmates.  She had a GREAT idea for a project, so I chose to participate in hers rather than create my own.  Her idea was to research and report on the education system in other countries.  I chose to research education in England.  I found many interesting facts such as the length of the school year (September to July), male teachers in secondary schools are referred to as "Sir" such as "Sir Gray," and students also get two week vacations for both Christmas and Easter. 

I thought this was a great idea for a project because it allowed me to research and learn more about England's school system.  My classmate's wikispace also provided a list of multiple other countries that other classmates had updated with information about their education systems.