2. Elaine Marume ctap295.ctaponline.org/~emarume oeye2001@yahoo.com Reynolds Elementary School Reynolds Elementary School Exploring the Rainforest - Kids on the Web Kids on the Web An introduction to rainforest information research for third graders

3. Expectations To create a standards based lesson To create a web page with links Learn to better utilize Powerpoint Learn Excel Spreadsheet

4. Actual Learning Created a web page lesson based on State Standards. Linked related web sites to my page Created this Power point presentation Created data table and charts

5. Successes Found a concise way to introduce research Created a web research activity for my students Students learned to critically examine information -for accuracy -to deal with discrepant data -for the source High interest topic Cultivated a needed skill for students

6. Shortcomings Limited online time Computer lab crashes frustrated students Unrealistic timeline given 30 minutes in the lab every other week Lack of keyboarding skills slowed students

7. Student Data This graph compares student scores on the Pretest and the Posttest. The yellow area shows Improvement.

8. Student Data The culminating activity was an oral presentation on a rainforest animal of the student’s choice.

9. Student Data

10. Revisions Improvement on post test scores was not as significant as I had hoped. I discovered that third graders are not very good at interpreting multiple choice questions with “all of the above” and “none of the above”. The wording needs to be changed on some questions in the pre/post test. Lesson implementation time needs to be extended. The research portions took four times as long as anticipated. Students need time before the actual lessons to practice keyboarding, and just working with a computer. Students lacking Internet access at home need more time online in the classroom.

11. Conclusion I have found that technology is a wonderful tool to help build student confidence and knowledge. There is so much more up to date information available to students on the Internet. I have learned so much from my fellow educators - those in my particular group, and those who have posted their lessons for me to view. I know I will continue to use and update the skills I have gained from this course. I hope to instill my enthusiasm for this technology on others at my school who may be hesitant to get their students online.