Strang Middle School Technology Integration Session One Yorktown, New York February, 2003

Session One Using technology to enhance teaching zInquiry and project based learning and teaching yMotivating students by asking intriguing questions and presenting compelling scenarios yChallenging students to go beyond information retrieval and analyze and synthesize information zUsing a brainstorming and visualization tool to explore project options

Session Two Optimizing the potential of the Internet zWhen does it make sense to use the Internet with your students? yRelevant and useful resources yCommunication and collaboration opportunities zSearch engines and directories yGeneral and specific use search engines yAdvanced search strategies Yorktown’s database subscriptions yLog in procedures and search techniques

Session Three Culminating Projects zAssigning projects that will demonstrate student learning and incorporate multiple learning styles and abilities zTechnology Workshop yExploration of tools / student use of tools yExploratory and collaborative ways to gather, plot, analyze and report data using an Excel spreadsheet yUsing digital cameras, PowerPoint, and other technologies to produce original projects

Tuesday, February 25, 2003 Agenda zIntroductions; Status of projects zInquiry based teaching and learning xConstructivism; Project-based, student centered learning xHow to frame challenging, motivating questions that go beyond fact finding and involve problem solving and analysis zBrainstorming and visualizing ideas xInspiration fundamentals - creating symbols and links xExpanding on team project plans using Inspiration xInspiration as a creative tool for student idea generation, analysis, and reporting zWrap up and next steps

Objectives for today zTo revisit team project plans based on today’s discussions yAsking thought provoking questions yDesigning assignments that encourage students to analyze and synthesize information and create a product that demonstrates their learning. zTo incorporate a brainstorming or idea manipulation activity where appropriate

Inquiry Based Teaching and Project Based Learning - Why? zResearch shows that it works zTeachers find that students are more motivated zLearning and retention are increased

A Constructivist Approach zAsking good questions zProviding useful resources zCreating new knowledge zSharing what has been learned

What is a good question? zA “yes” or “no” answer is not sufficient. zStudents are intrigued with and challenged by the question. zIt requires some research; some additional information to inform the answer. zThe answer requires analysis of information zStudents can demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways

The George Washington Example George Washington Teacher: “Write a report on the first President of the United States.”

George WashingtonGeorge W. Bush Teacher: “Compare George Washington’s foreign policy to George W. Bush’s foreign policy. Create a conversation that the two might have had if they could communicate across the centuries via .”

Authentic and Dynamic Resources zBooks, magazines, media zInternet yUp to the minute information yAvailability of experts ; Scientists, Authors yOriginal sources zTopic for Session 2 - Accessing resources

What are good ways for students to demonstrate knowledge? zRecall of factual information zReport on findings after research gathering and analysis zAn artistic creation - art, music, theater, poetry zMultiple formats should be available for students to demonstrate what they have learned.  Topic for Session 3 - yDemonstrating knowledge

How I learned about Science The Encyclopedia The Textbook

Amoebas z1. I memorized vocabulary z2. I memorized a grid z3. I was amazed by such tiny creatures z4. I forgot everything I learned except the song I made up

Your assignment zReview the introduction to your project zThink about how you could enhance your initial questions and challenges zFormulate at least one question or scenario to motivate and challenge your students yTurn them in electronically and include the names of your team members

Next steps zRevisit team project goals based on today’s discussions of inquiry based teaching zBy March 10th, please send the following, by , to Maureen and Roxy : yA question relating to your subject area yWrite a 2-3 sentence description of how you could incorporate an Inspiration activity in your team project (one per team is sufficient) zTo bring on March 18th: yAt least 3 research topics for your Team Project

Contact Information Roxy Schneider Maureen Yoder