Artifact # 4
Modern Fashion and Invention is a project that takes an old product and allows the learner to create a new name and use for it. Then the learner writes a newspaper article explaining how the "new" product is used and why it should be purchased by the consumer. The "Modern Fashion and Invention" is posted on the web in the form of an article in a fictional newspaper as part of the assignment.
Context
This artifact was created in my Integrating Technology into Instruction
class while in my block at Appalachian State University. I took a
gadget that was provided by my instructor and turned it into the world's
first child restraint of its kind. After taking pictures of its use,
I posted them on the web and wrote a newspaper article to accompany my
invention. Then a web page was created to house all of the components
of the project. This activity allowed me to learn how to create a
web page, test computer skills, and practice writing fiction. It
was then posted on the web for others to visit and use in their classroom.
Impact
This assignment allowed me to use creative thinking as well as writing
skills. Because the product was posted on the web, it also wove technological
skills into the equation. I had fun and learned a lot about creative fabrication
through the article that became the product. The web page includes
a student, teacher, and master page which explains the reasons and ideas
that may be used to create this product. Students and teachers alike can
appreciate this activity because of its versatility. This project can help
the students find fun ways to incorporate many different areas of study
into one activity.
Alignment
The modern fashion and invention activity fulfills writing, technology,
and language arts needs, while putting them all into a context in which
a student might not even recognize that they were doing work. Using
creative ideas to invent a new use and name for a product allows students
to develop higher order thinking skills. (III
C) (INTASC 2) After finishing
the web pages the assignment continues by priniting all of them out and
creating a newspaper The web pages can then be printed out
and made into a hard copy newspaper that the entire class can read. (INTASC
5) (IV C) The student must read
directions, which allows them to utilize skills in content comprehension.
Because the project is then posted on the web the student gains knowledge
on how to create a web page, link it to other pages and access them for
further use. (III A) This
activity requires the students to work either individually or in pairs,
allowing the teacher to explain the project and its components, then be
free to circulate and give advice and help where it is needed. (III
D) This project would require the unsupervised use of the internet.
In order to make sure that the parents agree with the students use of the
computer I have prepared a internet permission
form for them to sign and return. This allows the teacher to properly
manage student learning in a technological context. (II
E) We have all found that there are many websites on the World Wide
Web that are suitable for the children. Therefore a block, called Net Nanny,
can be placed on the computer to block the connection of these unappropriate
sites. (VI D)