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Strang Middle School Technology Integration
Session One
Yorktown, New YorkFebruary, 2003
Session One Using technology to enhance teaching
Inquiry and project based learning and teaching Motivating students by asking intriguing questions and
presenting compelling scenarios Challenging students to go beyond information retrieval and
analyze and synthesize information
Using a brainstorming and visualization tool to explore project options
Session Two Optimizing the potential of the Internet
When does it make sense to use the Internet with your students? Relevant and useful resources Communication and collaboration opportunities
Search engines and directories General and specific use search engines Advanced search strategies
Yorktown’s database subscriptions Log in procedures and search techniques
Session ThreeCulminating Projects
Assigning projects that will demonstrate student learning and incorporate multiple learning styles and abilities
Technology Workshop Exploration of tools / student use of tools Exploratory and collaborative ways to gather, plot, analyze
and report data using an Excel spreadsheet Using digital cameras, PowerPoint, and other technologies
to produce original projects
Tuesday, February 25, 2003Agenda
Introductions; Status of projectsInquiry based teaching and learning
Constructivism; Project-based, student centered learningHow to frame challenging, motivating questions that go
beyond fact finding and involve problem solving and analysis
Brainstorming and visualizing ideas Inspiration fundamentals - creating symbols and links Expanding on team project plans using Inspiration Inspiration as a creative tool for student idea generation, analysis, and
reporting
Wrap up and next steps
Objectives for today
To revisit team project plans based on today’s discussions Asking thought provoking questions Designing assignments that encourage students to
analyze and synthesize information and create a product that demonstrates their learning.
To incorporate a brainstorming or idea manipulation activity where appropriate
Inquiry Based Teaching and Project Based Learning - Why?
Research shows that it works
Teachers find that students are more motivated
Learning and retention are increased
A Constructivist Approach
Asking good questions
Providing useful resources
Creating new knowledge
Sharing what has been learned
What is a good question?
A “yes” or “no” answer is not sufficient.Students are intrigued with and challenged by
the question.It requires some research; some additional
information to inform the answer.The answer requires analysis of information Students can demonstrate their learning in a
variety of ways
The George Washington Example
George Washington
Teacher: “Write a report on the firstPresident of the United States.”
George Washington George 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 email.”
Authentic and Dynamic Resources
Books, magazines, mediaInternet
Up to the minute information Availability of experts; Scientists, Authors
Original sourcesTopic for Session 2 - Accessing resources
What are good ways for students to demonstrate knowledge?
Recall of factual informationReport on findings after research gathering and
analysisAn artistic creation - art, music, theater, poetryMultiple formats should be available for students
to demonstrate what they have learned.
Topic for Session 3 - Demonstrating knowledge
Amoebas
1. I memorized vocabulary2. I memorized a grid3. I was amazed by such tiny creatures4. I forgot everything I learned except the
song I made up
Your assignment
Review the introduction to your project Think about how you could enhance your initial
questions and challenges Formulate at least one question or scenario to motivate
and challenge your students Turn them in electronically and include the names of your
team members
Next steps
Revisit team project goals based on today’s discussions of inquiry based teaching
By March 10th, please send the following, by email, to Maureen and Roxy: A question relating to your subject area Write a 2-3 sentence description of how you could
incorporate an Inspiration activity in your team project (one per team is sufficient)
To bring on March 18th: At least 3 research topics for your Team Project
Contact Information
Roxy [email protected]
Maureen [email protected]
http://www.sun-associates.com/yorktown
