Technology Enhanced Lesson

Andie Hansen

Point of the lesson:

Introducing my students to the new book, Life in the Desert by Melvin Berger.

Standard 7 Objective 2.a Relate prior knowledge to make connections to text, specifically text to self connections.

How it was taught:

This guided reading unit lasted 4 sessions in all and I tried to incorporate PowerPoint presentations into each session. The first session introduced the book and concepts about desert life and connections to students.

The TechnologyThe technology I used to enhance my guided reading lesson was a PowerPoint presentation. Each slide introduced concepts and terms about the desert and connections that students may be unfamiliar with. I brought in my laptop and placed it in front of the students so that they could all see and access the presentation.

My role as teacher and facilitator of learning:

During the lesson I was able to pace the lessons progression by using the presentation. As we progressed I would move onto the next slide and then introduce the next concept or term.

The students’ role:

During the lesson students were able to access the presentation and I let them go back to previous slides if they wanted to review what we had talked about during their independent reading. Students were responsible for paying attention during the lesson and treating the technology with respect. In this way students learned how to use technology and how to do so appropriately while learning about life in the desert.

Effectiveness

I feel like the incorporation of technology into this lesson was very effective. Rather than just verbally explain to my students the new ideas and concepts, I was able to visually explain these to them. Visual and kinesthetic learners were benefited as well as audio learners who still listened to my explanations of concepts.

Principles of Effective Technology Integration

1. Student use of technology.

Every student has access to the presentation. They could choose to go back to slides to review what we covered.

2. Technology use is essential.

The technology used was the means by which concepts were introduced and covered.

Principles of Effective Technology Integration

3. Focus on learning task

Students did not have to focus on learning how to use PowerPoint. They instead were able to access and use the technology to enhance their learning about desert and making textual connections.

4. Added value

Through the use of the technology, students were able to learn and understand novel concepts and ideas. They could see what certain terms and phrases meant in their reading. They were all so excited to see and use a laptop.

Improvements:

My assessment of student understanding could be improved. Maybe technology should be integrated into their assessment?

Include more concepts and terms. Students reacted well and remembered what we discussed from the presentation.

Things that went well:

Students respected technology and seemed really excited to use the technology.

All students could watch and access the presentation since it was such as small group of students one laptop was adequate.

Life in the Desert

By Melvin Berger

Life in the Desert

Introduction

Prewiew

Picture walk

Nocturnal

Nocturnal means of the night.

Nocturnal animals are alert during the night and sleep during the day. Some nocturnal animals are owls, bats, and even the Kit Fox.