Artifact #1
Context: I created this project in the spring of 2002, in my Media and Technology class at Appalachian State University. This project has introduced a new way of integrating creative thinking and technology in my classroom.
Impact: This project asks the students to pick out a random object
and create an invention out of it while working in a group. They will write
a newsletter about their invention and put their invention on the web.
In addition to putting their invention on the web, the students will use
digital cameras to take pictures of their invention and use Adobe Photoshop
to crop their pictures, if need be. This project was planned to encourage
creative and critical thinking skills, as well integrating practice with
technology for the students.This activity covers the following NCSCS competencies
for the fifth grade:
Language Arts Curriculum - 1.01, 1.04, 4.08, 4.09, 4.10,
5.01, 5.07, and 5.08
Information Skills Curriculum - 4.09, 4.10, 5.02, 5.04,
and 5.05
Computer Skills Curriculum - 2.4 and 3.7
Alignment: I can manage student learning by accessing each part of the project using my grading rubric (Tech Comp. II E). I will use this grading rubric to evaluate my student's use of technology (Tech Comp IV C). After the assignment is complete, I can provide feedback by e-mailing the students my comments (Tech Comp IV A).This project will address content standards and student technology standards using technology such as digital cameras and web creation using Netscape Composer (Tech Comp III A). This project supports learner center stratgies by allowing the students complete freedom in choosing an object to create an invention and designing their web page (Tech Comp III B). This also encourages critical and creative thinking skills (Tech Comp III C).
The Modern Fashion and Invention Project provides numerous learning
opportunities and gives the child the responsibility for being engaged
in his/her learning. This project was created, knowing that children need
the opportunity to explore in order to maximize student learning, understanding
and student interest. (INTASC 2).
As teachers, we know that every child learns differently and needs to be
instructed in a variety ways. Various instructional strategies were used
to ensure student understanding of the project and to increase their ability
to use problem solving, critical, and creative thinking skills. This
is achieved by allowing the child responsibility over his/her invention,
newsletter and web page. (INTASC 4).
Questions that the children or teachers might have about this project can
be answered through e-mail. The teacher can also provide feedback on the
project through e-mail (INTASC 6).
This project provides means for assessment in a variety of ways. Assessments
can be made through observations and by reviewing the student's finished
products. Doing these types of assessments will assist the teacher
in creating lessons that focus on the intellectual, social and physical
development of the students (INTASC 8).