Unit Lesson Plan

LESSON PLAN
Subject: Science			Teacher: Mrs. Ayodele  Mc Curchin
			School: Teacher Education Development
Topic: Living and Non-Living Things		Students will engage in: [  ]  Independent Activities                          [  ]   Peer tutoring                                      [* ]  Cooperative learning                             [ * ]   Hands-on [ * ]  Visuals                                                      [*  ]   Technology integration [  ]  Simulations                                              [*]   Project  [  ]    Other :_Worksheet______
Syllabus Unit: One
Class: Grade 2
No of student: 16
Males: 10                Females: 6
Age: 6 and 7 years
Term: 1                             Year:2015-2016
Objectives: By the end of the lesson, students of grade 2 should be able to: 1.       Accurately define Living and Non-Living Things 2.       Categorize at least 80% of the objects and organisms under their appropriate heading. 3.       Construct a booklet showing at least five living and five non-living things from their surrounding that they need to survive.
Time	Procedures Followed				Materials Needed   White board Projector Video Box with pictures of Living and Non-living things Game Map Chart Pod Cast
5 Min Introduction: Focusing Event	Class Starter: Before the class begins, I will arrange the class in groups of four, therefore I will have four groups of students. After this, I will begin by showing a movie about Living and Non-Living Things. Living and Non-Living Things Movie
Development: Modeling/Explanation Demonstration	Step 1. After the students would have watched the movie I will proceed to have a discussion with the students about Living and Non-Living things.
	Step 2. In groups, the students will identify Living and Non-Living Things in their surroundings. I will check to find out their reasoning behind each response.
	Step 3.  The students will be given a game map and a box with pictures of living and non-living things. They will be asked to take out all the non-living things from the box and put it on the game map. I will select various students to explain their reasoning behind the pictures they would have chosen.
					Prctice Activity [ * ] Questions & Answers [*  ]  Game [  ]  Puzzle [  ]  Web Quest [  ]  Quiz [  ]  Test [ * ]  Other Video Pod Cast ___________________ ____________________
	Step 4. The students will listen to the podcast about living and non-living things. They will be able to listen to the song and sing along. This will help them understand the topic. Living and Non-Living Things Song
	Step 5. Recap definition and characteristics so that they can differentiate between living and non-living things.
Practice: Guided/monitored Activity Assignments to Measure Progress	The students will be given a chart about Living and Non-Living Things, with stickers on it. They will be instructed to remove the stickers and place them under the correct heading of the chart.  Sample of chart
	I will carefully check each chart to ensure that the students would have categorized at least 80% of the objects and organisms under the correct heading.
					Other Resources
Summary: Assessment/Feedback Wrapping up	I will ask the students questions about living and non-living things.
					Teacher Reflection: (To be completed after lesson)
Homework Given: Construct a booklet showing at least five living and five non-living things from your surrounding that you need to survive.
Evaluation:
Check by:				Date:

 

Justification:

I chose to begin with a movie about living and non-living things because this will capture the attention of the students. This movie will help them to define and categorize living and non-living things. The Pod Cast used in this lesson will serve as a support for the video that was shown for the introduction of this lesson. It will give the students the opportunity to sing along and understand the characteristics of living and non-living things. At ages six and seven students are attracted to movies, especially those that are prepared to suit their age. Music is a good medium for the teaching and learning process. Studies have proven that music is used as a tool, learning is takes place at a faster rate.

Course Reflection

Course Reflection

Motivating is the word that I will use to describe this technology course. This course was exactly what I needed to set me into action, although, there were some unexpected encounters. I will be forever grateful for the entire content of the course. Also, as I progress, all the skills learnt will be used as technology for education or training. I am most grateful.

This course is exactly what I need to set me in action although there were some unexpected encounters. This era demands that every teacher be equipped with the necessary technology tools if he or she should be effective in the classroom. So I paid keen attention. From the beginning I understood that the actual use of instructional technology or media in education setting can raise the level of students’ learning. Hence, I wholeheartedly committed myself to being a part of the entire process. I enjoyed the times of journals, reflections and discussions because these afforded me the opportunity to ponder on the new skills I learnt. I created my own blog which was fantastic. I now use it as a platform to share and discuss. It was awesome to be able to identify my preferred learning style by taking the learning style test so, I actual had every member of my household do the test. However, my real moments of the course were the times when I had to prefer my portfolio pieces. These encounters were like force that cause water to go up hill. There were times when I had challenges putting a link into what I was doing and saving pictures in the power point so that they could be uploaded to my blog. Nevertheless, I was astonished to learn that I can sit within the walls of my home and create tools such as a movie, a podcast and power points that included movies and songs. Yes, force could make water go up hill.

All the skills I have learnt will be used as technology for education during my teaching session. This will enable the students and I to increase our skills. Also, the use of technology for teaching and learning will assist me to cater for the different types of learners in my classroom. This will result in productivity and efficiency.

I am most grateful for the ups and downs. Thank you for all you have taught me Mrs. Richardson! I have a bright future as I continue my career of teaching.

Module 9 Journal entry Podcast

Pod cast is another tool that can be used for instructional learning. It is a digital recording that is made available for downloading to a personal audio player. Podcast are different because they are automatically downloaded. You can get a can get a variety of music song video.

The podcast prepared will be used during a science lesson about living and non-living things. It was prepared for a grade two class, that consist of sixteen students ages six and seven. Therefore, the content was structured to meet them at their level. I recorded my voice to inform the students that the science lesson is about lining and non-living things. I also informed them that we are going to listen to a song to help us understand our topic which is living and non-living things. Included on the podcast is a song about the topic. The students will listen to the song and sing along. In conclusion, I recorded my voice as I list the characteristics of living and non-living things according to the song.

Podcast can be used to share any content with any particular group or audience. If anyone has something to say, a podcast can be created and published. Music songs can be downloaded and added to podcast and shared too. Podcast creates creativity. You can listen to podcast on anything that plays MP3. It affords you the opportunity to listen to what you want, when you want and how you want.

This topic was chosen because it will it will be an appropriate for the students at the grade two level. This topic allows me to feature podcast as one form of technology for my lesson. The pod cast about living and non-living things includes my voice which will capture the attention of the students and a song for them to sing along. Students learn content easily when they sing. I believe that the use of technology in the classroom results in productivity and efficiency. Also I chose this topic because I will be able to prepare a video, which will include pictures of living and non-living things. This will be another form of technology used during this lesson.

This podcast can be improved be upgrading it to suit students at higher levels.  More detailed and advanced content can be included to reach other groups of students. Podcast affords us the opportunity to cut and include other features. Also, the music can be adjusted. Music can fade in and out. Podcast can be cleaned up during the process, to ensure it is improved to an acceptable standard. This is what makes podcast a good tool for teaching and learning.

I will proceed to print the screen of the podcast that was prepared about living and non-living things. Included is a recording of my voice and a song that was downloaded from  you Tube video.

 

Module 8 Journal Entry Digital Storytelling

According to Microsoft, (2015) Windows Movie Maker is a structure of windows Vista that allows individuals to design home movies and slide shows on the computer. This tool allows the figures to look professional because they can have titles, transitions, effects, music, and even narration. Windows Movie Maker can be used to publish the movie and share it. There are three areas of Movie Maker. The tasks panes, the storyboard or timeline and the preview monitor. Also, there is a menu bar and contents pane.

You must choose the pane to work in, according to what you want to do. The task pane consist of the common task can be used for editing and publishing of movies. The collection pane collects clips. The collection pane is on the left and the contents pane is on the right. The contents pane shows what’s happening while you are working. The contents pane and the collection pane allows you to take clips to the storyboard or timeline or to the preview monitor. The storyboard and the timeline is in the area that is used to make the movie. The storyboard allows you to rearrange the clips. Audio clips are not displayed on the storyboard. However, they can be seen in the timeline view which is more detailed. The timeline allows persons to alter the clips. The timeline view allows persons to preview everything before printing it as a movie. There are buttons to the bottom monitor that are used during this process. After everything is completed to ones likeness the movie can then be published. (Richardson J., 2013)

During the process of making the movie persons will need to follow each step carefully. Photos and videos will be used. This can be done by using a USB cable to connect the camera to the computer. To begin making a movie, any video that should be used should be added to Movie Maker. Then, the video will be cut or reduced so that only the part needed would be used. Sometimes a video may be split into two smaller parts so that the video is fixed to play in any given order. Also, the speed of the video can be altered. The audio editing tools allows persons to adjust the volume and fade the music in and out and even change when the music starts or end. This will make the movie sound professional. At the end, a theme can be chosen so that the title and credits can be added. This movie can be edited to [produce the final piece, before sharing on the web. This process will afford individuals the opportunity to watch their movie online.

Just like other professional movies that would have been upgraded, my movie can be upgraded too. I am hoping that one day my movie (Living and Non-Living Things) will be upgraded. This movie was structured to for students at the grade two level. Therefore, it is simple and straight forward so that they will be able to grasp the concept, after watching it. It is anticipated that after watching this movie, the students who are ages six and seven should be able to correctly differentiate between a living thing and a non-living thing. Hence, this piece can be improved by using the tools Window Movie Maker has made available, to join more complex and creative videos as they are being split. They will be split and fixed into a more appropriate order, to suit students at a higher level. The speed, volume and fading in and out of the music would be altered to motivate the students and to create a more advanced and professional sound. The results would most definitely be an improved version of Living and Non-Living Things by Ayodele McCurchin.

Sample of video made in Windows Movie Maker :

Living and Non-Living Things

 

 

Portfolio 5 - Power Point

Module 6 Journal Entry - Issues in Media and Technology

Media plays a major role in communication. Technology has been used to organize knowledge for practical purpose. The internet has been as a global network that people and organizations connect into so they can access its massive store of shared information. Anybody can publish information or create new services. It is a persistent activity, therefore no one is in charge of it. Richardson J. (2013, pp54).

Communication lines, wireless connections and satellite connections are used to join this world-wide network of computers. These networks are used to share information and to communicate with one another. Networks can be placed into different groups. The internet which is widely used can be connected to by the computer, phone line, cable or other connections. Computers on the internet have address, just like people home. A domain system was developed. The domain name system allows one internet host to find another. The internet can be used for many different purposes such as sending and receiving emails, download free software, surf the web, internet relay chat and much more. According to Richardson J. Technology in Education Workbook (2013, pp57-58) The web was invented by Tim Barners-Lee (1991). It is used to distribute information and it is connected to hyperlinks. Some useful features are web browser, web servers, hyperlinks and the many vital buttons, such as back and forwards and the home button. Another important feature is the uniform resource locator (URL). Technology has generally changed the way we communicate with each other.

 Today’s Technology has changed the way we live our daily lives. While it has decreased the need for manual jobs, media and technology have evolved. It plays a role in every area of our lives. Example, technology plays a major role in academics. It is useful for teaching and learning. It can be used for many different activities. These include social networking sites, blogs, podcasts, videos, making power point presentation and many more. Social networking sites can be used to discuss work that was done in class. A class blog can be used as an on line classroom, students will be able to access it from anywhere at any time.  Podcast can be used to broadcast thoughts to the world and provide references. Also, videos can be used for instruction. The use of media and technology will definitely result in productivity and efficiency. .All of this is made possible through the global network that people connect to. The vast amount of information that is available is useful for teachers when they are planning. Also, the internet makes the learning process easier for the students. Students whose learning process involves technology are better prepared for the world of work.

Never the less, we are been reminded that technology fails. According to Jonny Berchtold,  When technology fails (Mar 6, 201) “Technology works the least when you need it the most.”  Also according to Nathan Loring Modern Technology: The Ugly Truth, as cited in Ross T., (2012, January).  We must be careful to realize how technology affects us. Example, if too much technology is used without in co-operating others the children can become dependent and antisocial. They can even become obese. Also, if the technology fails there must be an alternative plan. Therefore, careful consideration must be given when we are planning our work. Media and technology has both advantages and disadvantages. Therefore as a teacher we must plan constructively. We must plan carefully for the benefit of the students.

Reference

Richardson, J. (2013)Technology in Education Workbook

http://opentextbc.ca/chapter8-media-and-technology/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSmE1YPhtA8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGa3-kZ2rgU

Module 5 Journal entry – Word Processing

A word processor is an application package that allows individuals to do word processing. Word processing can be used to prepare documents such as letters, reports, memos, books or any type of written communication (Richardson J. 2013)

Word Processing can be used to prepare tools that can be used in a classroom such as charts, flyers and flash cards. It was used to prepare a tool that will be used during a Science Lesson, of which the topic is Living and Non-Living Things. After taking all the necessary factors involved, such as the age and the kind of learners, I carefully designed a chart that will allow the sixteen students to skillfully apply their knowledge. During the preparation of this tool I included footer and header. Word art, shapes and colours were used to construct the chart. However, it was a wonderful learning experience because teaching and learning go hand in hand.

The chart about Living and Non-Living things will be used to facilitate one of my objectives for the lesson (Living and Non-Living Things). The children should be able to categorize at least 80% of the organisms and objects under the correct heading on the chart. As a class each student will be given one of the charts that was prepared. At the appointed time teacher will discuss with the students how to categorize each picture, then the students will be instructed to remove the pictures and place them under the correct heading.

Although, I did not have challenges completing some of the steps such as changing the page colour and using word art, I encountered some challenges that increased my knowledge. I learnt do text wrapping (that is placing words over image). Also, after identifying the pictures that were used I took quality time to insert them into the shapes that were used. The experience altogether has persuaded me that equipment is readily available to assist teachers, who are willing to in-cooperate technology in the teaching and learning process. The use of tools in the classroom will most definitely enhance learning as teachers cater for the different category of learners.

It is very important that each teacher analyze the students so they will be better equipped to teach them. For example the tool that I prepared can be improved to suit children at different levels. Curriculums are prepared according to the stage the students are expected to be at. Therefore, a teacher would plan accordingly. The chart can be re-constructed using the same pattern but more challenging pictures can be used to evaluate the student’s knowledge of the lesson. Also, the definition of Living and Non-Living things can be more detailed, according to the level of the students. According to (Microsoft (2015). Word 2007 training course and tutorials) Word Processing makes it possible to edit text and revise documents and the documents can look great.

Module 3&4 Journal Entry (ASSURE Lesson Plan)

The ASSURE model plan emphasizes teaching students with different learning styles. It’s a learning style where students are required to interact with the environment and not just receive information without self-directed action. It’s an Instructional System Design (ISD) which was modify to be used by regular teachers. All teachers can use it to develop a proper learning environment. (Source) The ASSURE lesson plan model provides assistance for teachers who want in cooperate technology with learning.

       The first approach when preparing one lesson plan is to analyze the students. During this process it is important that the teacher know the children learning style. There are three major styles visual/ spatial, verbal/ linguistic and kinesthetic/ body (Richardson J., (2003) p.13. However, (Kappi98A) states that,” learning style may be, verbal, logical, visual, musical, structured and so on. The teacher will be able to plan with a mindset to reach all of the students. This first approach should be followed by stating the Objective, Selecting Methods, Media and Materials, Utilizing Media and Material. Require Learner Participation .must be included and finally there must be evaluation, Hassan H. (2014). These steps will be beneficial for both, the teacher and the learner. All teachers would have students, who would excel through cooperative learning. The ASSURE instructions for lesson plan provides step by step instructions for us (teachers) so that we can combine technology with teaching. Therefore, our students will progress academically while they interact with the environment and improve their technological skills. Group work, field trips, lectures, experiments, videos, and many more will definitely be used to enhance our teaching. After all the participation we will be able to evaluate the students. (This is possible by following instruction necessary for evaluating the children). This kind of engagement will assist students to meet the set goal and provide continuous improvement.

  A successful teacher would be an individual who sees planning for instruction as the foundation of every excellent lesson. The foundation of any process is vital. Everything is established upon the foundation. Hence, we see the importance of planning. It gives teachers the opportunity to be thoroughly prepared. Students are analyzed, Objectives are in place, Methods, Media and Materials are identified, while there is advance structure in place for the use of Media and Material. Also there is knowledge of the Required Learner Participation. Finally, there is room to check to see how the children performed. Of course, the results will be excellent.

Technology plays a vital role in today’s world. Therefore, it is valuable and beneficial to both teachers and students. The use of ICTs results in productivity and efficiency. There has been progress to online courses and digital books. Technology can be used to post or share materials on line, video chat and a class blog can be used as a platform to share and discuss, just to name a few. While, students would be able to improve their skills and access media at any time and any place, as they prepare to be a part of the technologically advanced work force. It is concluded that in order for teachers to be effective, technology must be used to support the desired outcome of teachers.