Using the Internet to Understand the Civil War: Final Project

                For this project I chose a lesson that was on the Civil War and integrated technology in many ways. The objective of this lesson is to increase student understanding of the views and motives of the two opposing sides (North and South) during the Civil War in America through creation of a Wiki. Students are going to be able to understand a point in history while learning how to make a Wiki and other activities.

                For the first part of the lesson, I used a cross curricular standard from English/History that has to do with primary sources and understanding their main idea. Students will first respond to an activity on the Smart Board. I will have numbered pictures all of people/images from the Civil War. Students will independently jot down ideas that come to mind for each picture. Students will then read primary or secondary sources and write down the main ideas from each. Technologies I will use are basic, a printer and a Smart Board. The NETS-S standard for this is: understanding and using technology systems. I am using the technology just as a quick tool to jump from the Smart Board to a printed activity. This is basically the warm up activity.

                For the second part of the lesson, I used a Social Studies Common Core Standard of analyzing the different factors from the North and South that led to the Civil War. I will show a historical video capturing battles of the Civil War.  After that students will be given a guided outline and documents of the Civil War (i.e. court cases, diaries) and will read their document and fill out the outline. Then they will pair up and share their responses with a partner. The NETS-S standard I used has to do with using technology that supports collaboration, learning and productivity. The Video is helping with learning and the documents I have printed create an environment that fosters group work. The Think-Pair-Share activity will be my first assessment of the students and can be formative, to see how students are doing with the topic. I will show the video on the Smart Board. The outline can be created by me on the computer and there are many databases online that I can use to find documents for my students.

                For the third part of the lesson, I used a Social Studies Common Core Standard that deals with comparing and contrasting roles of African Americans who lived in Union and confederate States during the Civil War. Students will receive a list of sources by me that will have diaries and other sources for them to see how life was for African Americans in the North and South during the Civil War. They will fill out a Web comparing the two experiences. Then we will make a big web on the Smart Board. Students will then blog with the I-PADS, they will each create a diary entry as if they are either an African American in the Confederate or Union. The NETS-T standard is to use curriculum simulations while fostering critical thinking which will be done through primary sources and creating a blog.

For the fourth part of the lesson, I used a Social Studies Common Core Standard of using maps and primary sources to assess the outcome and strategies of the Civil War. As a group we will look at PowerPoint slides of pictures of people, maps, land battles, etc. As a group we will discuss each picture and how it affected the Civil War. The NET-S standards I believe are fulfilled in this are critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. As a whole we will discuss pieces of the Civil War. I will help the discussion while having students bring up important points that each slide invokes.

For the final part of the lesson, I chose a Cross Curricular Standard from English/History that has to do with using multiple sources and information from different media to address a question. This ties together the lesson, each part we have looked at different sources and students have interpreted them. From each of these and more that they will research they will create a Wiki page that describes the Civil War (perspectives, people, battles, key terms, etc.) They will do research individually and they will create a Wiki Page. They will also present their Wiki Page to the class. I will assess them on their historical wiki page and their presentation. They will use the internet and present them on a Smart Board. The NETS-S standard I chose has to mostly do with research and creativity. This assessment ties all the lessons we have done together.

In the end, students use technology to be creative while learning about the Civil War. My spreadsheet really helps me understand how to use technology and relate it to student learning. 

Civil War Spreadsheet

Another Interview on Technology!

I felt I learned a lot about technology in the classroom from interviewing a Social Studies teacher for Interactivity 5 so I decided to interview another teacher about their views on technology and how essential they feel it is. I interviewed is an English teacher who has been teaching for eight years. I emailed her with three questions and here is what she said:

What technological devices do you have in your classroom?

I have access to/use a computer, a projector, an iPod, iPads (sometimes).  

What do you think the positives/negatives are of using technology in your everyday lesson?

I think it is amazing to have resources at my fingertips, like being able to pull up a YouTube clip, or a song in only a few seconds.  On the other hand, I think that depending on technology is negative, because you never know when technology is going to encounter a glitch!  You should definitely use it, effectively, but not rely on it solely.

How many times a week would you say you use technology in your class?

It depends on what you would deem technology.  Probably 1-2/week?

She has access to great technological devices and feels they are important. She also added that there was one time when her projector was not working and her lesson was heavily dependent on the projector that day. She said that was the last time she did not have a backup. On the other hand, she said using YouTube really gets her students more involved than just reading all class. She said that she has been using technology since she started teaching, but understands why teachers who have not always used it don’t rely on it. I think technology can be complicated and as I have said before teachers should attend seminars to really learn how to utilize technology in the classroom. 

Interactivity 5: Leaning about the NETS

Link to my Spreadsheet! 

        I was able to interview with a 10^th grade U.S. History teacher at the Hanover Park Regional School District in New Jersey.  I first made myself familiar with the NETS-T standards and realized how easily they can fit into lesson plans. They discuss a lot about creativity and I think that is really important especially with students who may not be interested in history. The U.S. History teacher I interviewed was not familiar with NETS-T.  She explained that NETS was not being implemented in her school as far as she knew. After reading through the standards, she felt their school was hitting some of the criteria, but not all. She thought a lot of the standards for grades 9-12 were things that she has done in her class. For example, the online art gallery one was something she had done. She had students create web pages of historical figures. They learned about someone specific while learning how to create web pages. She said their school recently received some sets of IPADS which has been helping her, and other teachers, integrate technology more often. She was not sure if New Jersey was implementing NETS for students. Personally, she felt her school is trying to implement technology as best they can. Many classrooms are equipped with smart boards, and many teachers are encouraged to use their two computer labs and they have over forty computers in their library. She said that at least once a marking period her students do a project that involves work on a computer. On a daily basis, she utilizes her smart board to make learning more interactive. Even though she did not know what NETS-T was she was still discussing many of the things that NETS want to integrate. Using technology to improve critical thinking and make students more comfortable with technology. At their school, they have web design and visual arts classes that she felt aligned with the NETS standards. The school also has the basic computer classes as well. She feels there are many opportunities for the school to hit these standards. Something I was surprised with is how she said that many teachers were not using technology because they were not comfortable with it. Students are the ones who suffer when a teacher never uses technology in the classroom. There are so many ways to implement technology in every subject as we have learned in class. She felt that her power points that she does each day could be improved to align with NETS. Overall, although she was not familiar with NETS she believes that they are important. As a future educator, I have learned so much about technology and how students can really benefit from using it in the classroom. NETS can be aligned with history curriculum easily and by creating projects for students that allow them to use internet, create web pages, or even presentations can prepare them for their future as well as make history fun.

Making Apps Useful

With so many apps for smartphones, why not use them to enhance learning? I have recently seen so many Social Studies/History applications that I can use as a teacher. I know many high schools have been receiving Ipads and tablets that they are able to use in the classroom. Apps like MYCONGRESS, which is basically a Twitter type application that keeps you up to date on issues happening in the United States can be a way for students to keep up with current events. Sometimes you have to make learning history fun especially for students who don’t have a passion for it. Another app I came across was one about the Constitution and the Federalist Papers which makes learning more interactive. Technology can really help teachers make learning fun. There are interactive learning games as well like Stack the States which could help students learning states and capitals.

Games and apps like these can reinforce learning and be study tools for students. When I was studying for my Praxis I used Quizlet study cards constantly. They were a great online tool that helped me and teachers can use them for their students as well. I think all of these study tools and even games can help students study with less stress and having fun.

http://thecurriculumchoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_9850-500x333.jpg

The Wonderful World of Assistive Technology

          There are clearly many uses for technology. For many teens, it’s communication with friends and being on the internet. For some people, it can help them do many things that they normally would not be able to do because of a disability. Assistive technology is really helping students with disabilities keep up in the classroom. I have recently encountered a young boy who is autistic. He is nonverbal and has a difficult time expresses his needs. Recently, his school has been training him with a switch board communicator. With this, he can click buttons to express needs he has. He was taught which button goes to what and he can things like good morning or I’m hungry. IDEA defines assistive technology as a device that can improve the functionality of a student with a disability. Assistive technology can be small things like large print books for students who have vision impairments to a computer with a speech output. It is amazing the things technology can give to students who have impairments. For children with communication skills they have text-to-voice software, which I thought was really cool. People that have difficulty with hearing have hearing aids and teachers can use microphones to make certain they can hear what is going on in class. Technology can not only be used in the lesson to enhance students’ experiences, but it can also be used to enhance the learning of a student with a disability.

http://www.alvinisd.net/cms/lib03/TX01001897/Centricity/Domain/292/AT.jpg

Cyberbullying in the High Tech Classroom

        Today, as we know, children are more tech-savy than they have ever been. Many classrooms are equipped with technologies like IPads or tablets and students are most likely carrying a cellphone. Although there are many positives that come with technology in the classroom, cyberbullying is something that has become a big issue. As teenagers are becoming more equipped with social medias and how to use the internet, there are more chances for students to use them for harassment. There are very serious consequences on the children that are being bullied through the internet. "More than 1 in 3 adolescents say they have been threatened or bullied online. Over 80 percent of teens have used their cellphone as a bullying tool."[1] They become depressed and there have been many cases of suicide from students who can no longer stand the harassment. Obviously, using technology in the classroom is not to blame, but the inability of professionals to handle cyberbullying correctly is. As educators we have to watch for certain things when it comes to bullying on the internet. We have to make sure that when we use technology in our classroom ALL kids are using it appropriately. We cannot control the home environment, but the classroom environment is something we have to watch. I read research that many tech companies are trying to find more and more ways to stop cyberbullying through a technological program. Everything is so public on the internet it is a surprise that cyber bullies go unnoticed. Using a cell phone is a private way, but in the end those messages can be found. There is a lot that needs to be done to stop this problem; the classroom environment is something we as teachers can police. Cyberbullying often starts in the classroom and continues outside of school. Teachers need to be equipped with technology as much as the students are so they can to the best of their ability keep students safe!

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[1] http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/cyber-bullying-statistics.html

Interactivity 4: The Pedagogical Uses of Technology

        I was intrigued by this lesson because I really enjoy American History. I also thought the debate that the teacher came up with is something that I would want to do in my class. I love interactive activities where students are in groups; I think collaborative learning is extremely effective. The teacher has them do something meaningful with what they are learning instead of just lecturing about the Boston Massacre.  I think the teacher should have used more of the CCCS for NJ because they are content specific. They used NCCSS and cover Time, Continuity, Change and Power, Authority, Governance. The Boston Massacre happened at a time of change in government when the colonists were trying to free themselves from British control. This lesson plan has to do with the new government and the founding of the American Government (change and power). The teacher does a great job of that by having the students view a video of the time period and then researching the history of this Massacre.  I think the teacher integrated as much technology in the lesson as she could. I think that in Social Studies Classrooms the internet is one of the greatest tools. Students can research any part of history and learn a lot about it. The teacher’s goal is from them to research the different perspectives of the event; the students do that by using the websites she gives. I think the video helps keep students’ engaged as well as give them the background information they need to understand the task at hand.

Spreadsheet url:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ArdmhY2-JnRedDd3dkFlbjNQLVJ3d05CYnRKc1ZvdlE&usp=sharing

Technology in the Social Studies Classroom: Interactivity 3

Compared to other activities there was not as much collaboration as you would usually see. Because we are doing the work online through a Google spreadsheet, it was easier to get everyone’s ideas. Normally group projects can be difficult because everyone has different schedules. I enjoyed using Google Docs because it was an easy way to share the information and everyone could do it at their own pace. Also, it is nice to know that the teacher will be able to see what students contributed. This way everyone gets individual credit for doing the assignment.

Now that I see the final list, I see so many more technologies that I could use and did not even think of. Since my group had Fine Arts majors and History majors, I got to see other technologies that I would not have seen for my major. Blogging is one that comes up a couple times on our spreadsheet because it is a way to get students to use the internet and express ideas with other students. One technology that I came across to use for a Social Studies classroom were social networking sites. For students to create a fake MySpace page for a historical figure is a great way to get them excited about history.

We recently just discussed using technology to promote literacy in our READ 411. I think especially with history, using online databases is a great to help students write research papers while using technology. Also, Skyping with other schools and countries helps students learn what other cultures are like first hand, rather than just reading about them. 

What is a Flipped Classroom?

          In a recent article from the magazine Educational Leadership I learned about a new method of teaching. Something known as a Flipped Classroom, is creating a lot of buzz. The main purpose of this flipped classroom is having more in-class time with your students. A lot of times, especially in college classrooms, lecturing is the basis of the class period. Even in high school classrooms, teachers have to introduce new material and lecture for most of the class. Then students do an assignment at home based on the lecture. This new idea of a classroom has teachers tape their lectures on new material that the students take home and watch. Then the next day in class the teacher does not have to explain from the beginning, but instead they do what would be homework in the classroom. It gives the teacher more one on one time with the students. I think with subjects like math this could be really effective. I remember learning something like a new concept and going home and never understanding the homework. Teachers record themselves on a track with a PowerPoint or of them actually teaching. Usually for about 10-15 minutes and the students can watch it as many times as they need to at home. They can also use it to study before a test. The article says that many teachers feel this would take up too much of their time, but it’s only some added work to their already made lessons. The article compares this to having to students read pages in the text the day before they learn something new. These videos can be more effective because the teacher is actually lecturing them which makes it more exciting. The name flipped learning comes from the fact that you are flipping what is actually done. Usually there is an in class lecture and then a homework assignment. Instead the kids watch the lecture at home and apply what they have learned with the teacher in class. I think this can be effective for students who struggle with homework that is assigned on new material. They have the teacher there for them if they need help. There is also more in class time for activities, like in a Social Studies classroom, I can have students doing projects and applying what I lectured on the night before. I think this method of teaching gives teachers a better chance at making sure all students are keeping up.

“Education is for everyone, but the way in which we deliver education—and the way in which students receive it—is not the same for everyone.”[1]

http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/2012/12/why-flips-flop.html

               

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[1] Sams, Aaron, and Jonathan Bergmann. "Flip Your Students' Learning." Educational Leadership: Technology Rich Learning Mar. 2013: 16-20. Print.

Are Teachers Trained Enough To Utilize Technology?

         I had many teachers in high school that had a Smart Board and did not touch it the whole year! They would just lecture or read out of a book and not try to engage students at all. Technology engages students and gets them more involved. Other teacher use technology, but only in menial ways. The problem is that teachers are not always trained to use all the technology that is offered. Most teachers know how to use computers, the internet, and the tools that come along with those. They may not, however, know many other technological devices they could use.  I recently read the article Tech Support PREPARING TEACHERS TO USE TECHNOLOGY and found that many teachers are truly afraid of not being able to keep up with technology in the classroom.  Why put in expensive Smart Boards if you are not going to show teachers how to utilize them? The article said teachers do not have time to teach themselves the program, but need help. “To learn how to incorporate technology into their classrooms, teachers are participating in online discussion groups, forums, e-mail lists, bulletin boards, message boards, and chat rooms. One of the first online communities for teachers is the 21st Century Teacher Network (www.21ct.org), an online network that enables teachers to exchange technology ideas with teachers around the world.” (http://www.principals.org/portals/0/content/48158.pdf). 
      Educators need the opportunity to learn what to do to make technology worthwhile in the classroom. The article says there are many technology workshops that schools should be sending teachers to. I think there should be seminars and opportunities for teachers to learn more about technology. This class is definitely helping me to learn more about technology in the classroom, but I believe there is always more to learn!

The Evolution of Technology in the Classroom

        Watching the video on the evolution of technology in the classroom was very enlightening.  I learned that technology has greatly influenced the classroom over many years. The video also showed me a different kind of classroom setting that is not typical in many schools anymore. The teachers had complete control in the classroom; the students were obedient and sitting in rows like factory workers. Classrooms today are much louder and more animated. The video takes you through the many technologies that transformed the classroom. Educational radio was invented in the 1920s, which let people keep on current events. I think that is extremely important as a history teacher. I think students should keep up with the things that happen in our country and around the world. Especially for when they begin to vote, they should be educated. Radio helped connect the world and understand what was happening.  Instructional films were then created during the progressive movement.  George Klein 1910 created over 1000 educational films. In 1923, the NEA established the Division of Visual Instruction. Educational films are a great way to move away from lecturing and let students see history through another view point.  Classroom films were definitely influential in a history classroom. Being able to see events on screen helps students stay interested. For example, the History Channel creates numerous documentaries on almost every event in history. Some students are visual learners and these kinds of movies are beneficial to them. The Coronet Instructional Films from 1946-1970s included topics like the Plantation System in Southern Life and the Power of Congress. These are both great topics to make movies out of. In Chapter two of Rethinking Technology and Schools, Thomas Edison is quoted, “teach branch of human knowledge with movies,” (pg. 33). I believe that movies help enhance learning especially in history! The radio and instructional movies have helped people stay informed and learn about the past.

History Through Videos

Technology and Literacy

           As we have learned, teenagers spend a lot of time using technology, i.e. cell phones and laptops. I have been learning a lot about students’ literacy and I researched whether or not technology hurts literacy. Students being able to get information and do research is definitely a plus. On article on Education.com says there have been many studies that show that technology helps students expand their knowledge. “Research literature throughout the past decade has shown that technology can enhance literacy development, impact language acquisition, provide greater access to information, support learning, motivate students, and enhance their self-esteem,” (Susan O'Hara and Robert Pritchard 2006).
         I do believe that technology opens up a window to many opportunities for students. From taking Language and Literacy, however, I have learned that many students struggle with reading comprehension. Teachers have to use many strategies to get students reading, I think that technology can hurt students’ literacy. If they are always on social network sites, they are spending less time reading.  Others have argued that even though students are not reading books, if they are reading web pages it still enhances their literacy. Also, when students create presentations on the computer they are still working on their literacy and writing skills. I learned about Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow (ACOT) project and from studying a class for eight years it has been found that students with technology in the classroom do better on achievement tests. Technology helps students become independent learners as well, they have access to any information they need. If they are writing a paper and they use the thesaurus it helps them learn new words. While I think technology consumes many teens’ lives, I think it has its benefits when learning and expanding one’s knowledge. 

Pros and Cons of Technology in the Classroom!

Technology is obviously a big part of teen’s lives and is a big part of education as well.  There are many positives with having such heavy use of technology, but there are some negative aspects as well. Technology definitely fosters creativity because there are so many things that students can do and create on the computer. Even creating Power-Points can foster creativity.  For teachers, it helps us create varied lesson plans. Instead of just standing and lecturing, we can use the internet in a number of ways. Lessons are more engaging if we can use games and videos to reinforce what we are teaching.  As a history teacher, I will have my students at some point do research for papers. Students can explore the internet and do research. The negative side to that is that the internet can be extremely distracting. I know that I get distracted from social media sites, like Facebook and Twitter.  From my class at Montclair about students with disabilities I learned how helpful assistive technology could be. Students with disabilities often use computers and other devices in order to keep up in the classroom. Microphones have become useful in classrooms with students who have hearing impairments, this way they do not fall behind in class. Even teachers can use technology to help students with disabilities keep up in class! In addition, as a history teacher, I want my students to keep up with current events and they can do so with the internet. As I said however, the internet and other technological devices like cell phones are distracting. I teach Religious Education to 8^th graders and I make them put their cellphones on a separate table because they cannot stop using them during class. Then they miss what I am saying if someone texts them. Many schools are now using things like Ipads in the classroom to enhance learning. The problem with this is that not all schools have the money to do so. This puts other students at a disadvantage. Like Olivia, other students do not have access to computers and other technological devices. It is not fair that all students do not have the luxury of all the benefits of technological devices. They are definitely a positive part of learning. Smart boards really enhance a child’s learning experience. These boards make learning more fun and interactive, making students interested in what you are teaching!

http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/images/stories/large/2012/09/16/af1f0a85.jpg

Technology In Our Lives

The three technologies that I chose were; my cellphone, laptop, and tablet. I am constantly using all three of these items especially during the semester. My cellphone is my constant communication to the outside world, without it, I feel disconnected. It is the way I contact anyone at any time, which is really important.  My laptop is my main source for homework. My classes require a lot of writing and research so my laptop is the best tool for that. I use my tablet during class to take notes and to stay connected through email. Also, having email coming to my phone is really useful. I never miss an email from a teacher communicating with me. Using the internet on all of these sources makes many things easier. Being vice president at an organization at Montclair requires me to answer emails frequently. My laptop has definitely contributed to me learning new information. As I said, doing research is a big part of my classes and I would not be able to get information as fast without my laptop and the internet. I also enjoy using PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Publisher. All of which I learned to use from constantly doing projects and essays.

Olivia learned a lot from using the technology that she has. In the first scene, she is listening to music on her MP3 player. Technology is a big part of young peoples’ lives. It seems her cellphone and computer are extremely important to her. She does not have one at home, but either uses one at school or at a friend’s house. Teachers definitely have to be aware of this and cannot expect that all students are on the same level when it comes to technological experience. I will definitely want to use technology as much as I can, while still helping students see they do not always need to rely on it. The problem is that technology is so useful and can help students learn. At her continuation school, they say about one-third of the students have access to a computer. They do, however, know how to use computers extremely well. Olivia is a whiz with the computer even though she does not have one all the time. She can do almost anything on MySpace and can create websites. When I had a MySpace I knew had to edit it and do some of the similar effects that she could. Using a computer, even if it is for MySpace, helps students learn and understand technology. Like Olivia, texting is a big part of my life. When her mentor commented on how fast she could text I recall having heard the same thing. From using keyboards so much I am fast at typing and texting. This is extremely useful when it comes to writing papers.  

In the second video, Learning to Change, I could relate to all of these young people. They said how technology is convenient and can be used in so many ways. Writing and reading is being taken over by technology, which I agree with. These students talk about how their laptop is one of the biggest technologies they use. Using technology helps these students be creative, like through sound production. One student says that video games actually help him in school because in the video game you work with others and you have to be collaborative. The same goes with school projects, being able to coordinate with other students. In the video someone said that we are moving forward through technology, which I also agree with. Technology helps society learn new things and become more advanced. One young girl said she makes websites on her laptop. For her, technology fosters her creativity which can help her in school as well. She most likely strives in craft or visual art classes. The students in these videos use technology in more advanced ways than I do. I use it for homework and connecting with people, but in the Learning to Change video I noticed that technology can be used in an infinite number of ways. I think that technology is imperative if everyone’s lives. I believe that each generation will begin to rely on technology more and more. I know that my phone and laptop are so important to me as they are too many other people. Technology is definitely changing society and for students it is benefiting them through learning new information.

About Me!

            My name is Carly Marcketta and I am a junior. I am majoring in history at MSU. I currently a tutor for middle school aged children, which I find is great experience. I have also been teaching religious education for six years. I have a brother and a sister whom I am very close with. Once I graduate from Montclair, I hope to get a job as a high school history teacher. One day I want to get my special education certification and maybe move to special education students in primary school.

          I am extremely comfortable with technology because it is such a big part of my life. I am always using it for school work. As a teacher, I think that using technology enhances the learning experience for your students. I want to learn about all the interactive activities that I can use in my classroom. The more hands on activities are the more they will stick with the students. I want to learn about all the new technologies that many high school classrooms are using because I want to be able to walk into a classroom and understand what to do.