I teach third grade and there are few Indiana State Standards that incorporate technology in the wording, but many of the standards can be taught with technology. I found these three in Reading and Language Arts. The section was writing.
3.4.1 Find ideas for writing stories and descriptions in conversations with others; in books, magazines, or school textbooks; or on the Internet.
3.4.4 Use various reference materials (such as a dictionary, thesaurus, atlas, encyclopedia, and online resources).
3.5.8 Write or deliver a research report that has been developed using a systematic research process (defines the topic, gathers information, determines credibility, reports findings) and that: uses a variety of sources (books, technology, pictures, charts, tables of contents, diagrams) and documents sources (titles and authors). Organizes information by categorizing it into more than one category (such as living and nonliving, hot and cold) or includes information gained through observation.
The other three standards I found were written for teachers in elementary. These are new to me. I have never heard of these standards before.
Learning Processes
2.11 knowledge of how digital-age tools and environments influence learning processes and outcomes, and the ability to use this knowledge to improve teaching effectiveness and learning outcomes
Instructional Planning and Delivery
3.13 knowledge of information literacy, and the ability to promote students’ knowledge of and model and facilitate students’ use of the tools, practices, and opportunities of the information age
3.14 knowledge of types of digital tools and resources, technologies specific to the teacher’s discipline(s), and the distinction between digital curricula and digital resources, and the ability to use digital tools and resources to improve teaching effectiveness; create developmentally appropriate learning experiences that facilitate creativity, collaboration, inventiveness, and learning; customize learning experiences to meet individual needs; and help students explore real-world issues, solve authentic problems, develop global awareness, participate in local and global learning communities, and independently pursue and manage their own learning.
The 3rd grade standards 3.4.4 and 3.5.8 are writing standards that I teach every year. I could teach these standards more than once through the year. The lesson I would use to teach these would be writing a research report. I am planning on having my students write list articles next year to go along with my Biography Unit. Instead of using encyclopedias and textbooks I would like the students to use a variety of websites for information. One website that I like very much is Bio4Kids. Another one is Yahoo for Kids.
In order to use the internet more for writing ideas, 3.4.1, I would start with a list of different websites for kids to explore. I only have four computers and I don’t want students to spend tons of time surfing the internet during writing time. I would like to make this a homework assignment once a week. I could have the students (with parent supervision) surf the internet and write down an idea for a story in their writer’s notebook. I would also like them to copy down the website’s address. This will be useful for sharing and for referencing.
The first lesson, biography research, is something that I have tried in the past. Every year I improve a little better with having students use the internet. The best way to use the internet with young students is to have a list of websites that are user friendly and accessible through our school server. I am also collecting sites through my school website as a link for my students. This way I don’t have students trying to type in addresses instead they can just click a link. The faster it is for them to get to the knowledge and understand it then the better results I get in their writing.
I was very interested in the teacher standards. I realize that to be a good teacher I will have to keep up with digital tools so that I can be resourceful for my students. Many of these standards were talking about differentiation. I think that this is very important and the Internet and modern technologies will only help with reaching each child on their level and keeping them interested to learn more.
Elisabeth, I saw this last night- I'm so impressed (and jealous) that you got this out on the first day! Congrats to you and it looks good!
ReplyDeleteTextbooks are a great resource. However, encyclopedias are usually entirely outdated. The Internet is the best way to find information. I agree! I like that you discussed prepping sites for students to use to find information. This works best especially when time is a factor. I also believe students learn by "just going at it". Reading for information = engagement. I think that's what I do each time I seek new information on the Internet. They need time to explore as well. This is what you spoke about for weekly homework. For example, when teaching math with manipulatives such as building blocks or fraction strips, it's good to allow them to play with them first. The same goes with surfing the Web. Pick a topic and let them go at it. They also learn so much from one another. Most of my students do not have Internet access. Wish they did. You are very fortunate.
ReplyDeleteElisabeth, I too teach the same standards in the form of a research report. We research animals and use books from the library as well as the Internet. Very few of my students have Internet access at home, so that is not a resource I can count on. We spend one day (45 minutes or so) in the computer lab purely for research. My team has a web site where we have linked sites with facts for the animals for our students, the higher students who have experience with the Internet are allowed to search using sites such as Google or Yahoo on their own. I wish my students had access to the Internet at home....they would be very motivated to teach themselves!
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