Artifact 1

During my time in Media and Technology class, Block 436, Spring semester 2002, I had the chance to do a project called Modern Fashion and Invention. This web page that I created gave me a chance to broaden my knowledge on several technology aspects. There was group involvement at the beginning of the project but then branched out as an individual task.

Impact:

The Modern Fashion and Invention project/web page was produced to easily meet the needs of students and teachers. Both, or anyone for that matter can use the lesson instructions online and apply it for personal use. This lesson, Modern Fashion and Invention web page, meets several of the NC Computer/Technology Competencies, Information Skills, and Language Arts Competencies, which are included below as well as on the web pages of the product.

NORTH CAROLINA COURSE OF STUDY : FIFTH GRADE

Language Arts

    Competency Goal 1: The learner will apply enabling strategies and skills to read and write (1.03).
    Competency Goal 2: The learner will apply strategies and skills to comprehend text that is
        read, heard, and viewed (2.01, 2.06).
    Competency Goal 3: The learner will apply strategies and skills to create oral, written and visual
       texts (4.03, 4.05, 4.08, 4.10).
    Competency Goal 5: The learner will apply grammar and language conventions to communicate
        effectively (5.01, 5.02, 5.03, 5.04, 5.06, 5.07, 5.08).
Computer/Technology Skills Curriculum
    Competency Goal 2: The learner will demonstrate knowledge and skills in the use of computer and other
        technologies (2.1, 2.4)
Information Skills Curriculum

    Competency Goal 1: The learner will explore sources and formats for reading, listening, and
       viewing purposes (1.04, 1.07, 1.08, 1.09, 1.10).
    Competency Goal 4: The learner will explore and use research processes to meet information
       needs (4.04, 4.06, 4.09).
    Competency Goal 5: The learner will communicate reading, listening, and viewing experiences
        (5.02).

Alignment:

The Modern Fashion and Invention project was constructed to provide an activity or lesson that advances student creativity and simultaneously promotes them to achieve educational principles. Students push themselves to be creative and use critical thinking to achieve a web page that magnifies their understanding of technology with the incorporation of modern invention. A plethora of possibilities as to what they can invent. (TECH. STANDARD III.C) To evaluate the students, there is an assessment at the conclusion of web page construction that ensures that the students fulfill their obligations of making the Invention web page. A system that evaluates the progress and work ethic that reflects what the students have learned. (TECH STANDARD IV.C) During the production of this Invention web page there were procedures that had to be followed. Copyright laws are observed and the images that were used had to be cited so that their origin could be made aware to the audience.(TECH STANDARD VI.A) While this project was taking place there were plenty of resources for all the students. Although a group was formed to pick the invention item and to take pictures of the item chosen, afterwards individual work was done on computers. Plenty of computers to have each student working comfortably by themselves to make the web page. This is good for special needs children (using wheelchairs, etc) because his/her group members could help with taking pictures of the invention and then the computer would be easily accessed and he or she can work individually. (TECH STANDARD VI.E)
An important aspect that all teachers should grasp is the understanding that all children have different ability levels and learn in different ways. Throughout the Invention activity I find that this task links prior knowledge of technology to current learning's rightly understood. This making sure that the instructions are at a level for all students. Having the students in groups at the beginning will aid the students that could be confused. Having each other there to answer questions. The various roles in the activity are rotated as well, whether it be the person who takes photos or who directs how the photo should be taken, etc. Everyone gets a fair chance at learning the different tasks it takes to make a invention web page. (INTASC Principle 2) Students are asked to pick a random object and ponder a new identity for that object. Students must think critically about that they are going to invent with the object they are given. Thinking critically involves many strategies and concepts to think of a solution. When assembling the product there certainly are different roles that are practiced, mentor and audience are some. Students must grasp the idea that there are many strategies that can be used that might be different from their own strategies. (INTASC Principle 4) Indeed, Modern Fashion and Invention uses technology as a method of stimulating student interest in learning. The usual approach of teaching with lecture, textbooks, and worksheets are set aside to allow students to practice in various means of communication: verbal, nonverbal and media (internet). The teacher gives directions verbally and then lets their creativity activate production. Students also work both collectively and individually to complete this project and interact in class . ( INTASC Principle 6) Throughout the Modern Invention activity, the teacher is observing group as well as individual work that concludes in a great tool for learning. There is an evaluation for the group and singular work that rates the performance and involvement of the activity: formal assessment:peer assessment of tasks and grading rubric; informal assessment: performance observations, comments via email. (INTASC Principle 8)