Friday, November 6, 2009

Technology in the classroom update

I have been trying to infuse more technology into my teaching. One thing I did about two weeks ago was make a PowerPoint presentation for the Gothic novel devices, Hawthorne's literary devices, and the devices Hawthorne borrowed from Sir Walter Scott. This information is foundational for the students to know before they read The Scarlet Letter. I usually use the overhead projector for explaining this information. I also enhanced the presentation with pictures I found through google images. I really enjoyed making the PowerPoint, and the students seemed to appreciate my efforts. They even clapped when it was over. I have been wanting to do this project for over five years, but I could never get my son to show me how to do it. He hates helping me because I get easily confused and usually "screw up" what I am doing. He has rescued me many times. Wow, I can't believe I did it all by myself...a small victory for me.

My tech project for the tech class is coming along fine. The students have read and annotated their articles, and next week they will turn in at least 1/2 of the notes they will use for their PowerPoint presentations. The following week they will turn in the remainder of the notes and present their PowerPoints. Today I gave the students the rubric I will use to grade their presentations, so there should be no excuse for them not to do a good job, other than procrastination. I gave them a schedule of all the due dates (benchmark/check-off style) so that they would not wait to create the presentation the night before. I can't stand it when students turn out shoddy work. I hope they enjoy doing this project, plus learn something. I am so glad I have added this assignment into my curriculum.

I am going to continue to step out of my comfort zone so as to introduce even more technology into my classes.

3 comments:

  1. Always a good idea to have multiple due dates during a long project, especially with high schoolers. I remember waiting till the last minute and getting things finished the night before they were due. Sounds like a fun project.

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  2. I think it is great that you presented your information in a new and exciting manner. Although they may never say it, students appreciate the extra effort and are more actively engaged with this type of multisensory approach. I love the applause that they gave you. Hope the Power Points continue to come easier to you and you get a chance to do further experimentation with the more advanced features of Power Point. Good luck

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  3. Sounds to me like your students appreciated all of your efforts. Way to go!! It is fun experimenting with the students and hope that you will continue to look for ways to use your new skills.

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