TIE #2

Before my lesson, I was super nervous about presenting VoiceThread to my students.  I didn't think they would understand it at all, but turns out, they were better at it then me!  These students knew what to do, when to do it, and how to make it better.  I'm astonished at how much I actually liked doing this with my students.  I may actually do this with my students in the future if I get a chance!

"What worked well?"

The fact that the students had a fun time doing VoiceThread makes me believe that it ALL went well.  I heard that my peers were having a hard time with using more than one computer, so I just used one computer, and called up one student from a group at a time.  This worked well for me because I could help this ONE students while still keeping an eye on all of the other students working on their flags.  (It also helped that the students were so engaged in the guided practice that they didn't act up).  The only students coming up to me were students ASKING to be involved in the VoiceThread! It was so cool.

"What would you do differently?"

I was only able to use the typing comments because by the time I was to do my lesson, all of the webcams and microphones were gone. I was really disappointed. I think the students would have loved to do that as well.  Next time, webcams and microphones will DEFINITELY be involved.  I heard from the peers that their students had SUCH a great time with the microphones.

I wasn't able to get a picture of any of my students doing VoiceThread since I was involved in another activity with my students as well, but I can guarantee that the students, who did VoiceThread, were having a wonderful time, and the students, who didn't have a chance, wanted to do it as well!

Questions for the students:

1. What does the quote "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal" mean to you?
2. Circle the picture that indicates how we usually celebrate Independence Day.  How else do you celebrate Independence Day?
3. Circle our nations flag.  Why do you think it's important for a nation to have a flag?
4. What does freedom and independence mean to you?

HOTS Questions for YOU!! :)

1. I know one way to make this VoiceThread better is to have been able to use microphones, but how else do you think I could make it better?
2. Being an active learner is very important to me. How could I incorporate the kinesthetic multiple intelligence?

I hope you enjoyed this! I sure did!!!

TIE #1...Continued/Different

April 7, 2012 (Oops, I forgot to hit the publish button)

After deliberating what I wanted to teach for my VoiceThread, I reached the conclusion that Social Studies was the subject I wanted to do. I had first decided Science as my subject, but I wanted to challenge myself with doing a subject that I am the weakest in. It scares me to attempt something as complex (or that I think is complex) as VoiceThread, and mix it with a subject that I am not confident in. It scares me, but excites me. This semester I have accomplished many tasks I thought I never could, so what is ONE MORE?!

TEKS:

(1) History. The student understands the historical significance of landmarks and celebrations in the community, state, and nation. The student is expected to:

Explain the significance of various community, state, and national celebrations such as Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Thanksgiving.

Affordances & Pedagogical Implications

Digital Bloom's Taxonomy & Multiple Intelligences

Independence Day Lesson Plan with VoiceThread