Blog Post 5 - Post Teaching Reflection 1

Instructional Decisions/Teaching (InTask Standard # 9):

What went well and what didn't go well during the implementation of your lesson? 

The biggest problems with my lesson came from using Google Earth. One student wasn't able to download Google Earth to their computer. There were also issues with Google Earth not wanting to zoom in and focus on some places which made it harder for the students to find what they were looking for. Students were able to use the pins and the search function with relative ease though, so that was good. 

How well was the alignment to objectives and standards maintained?

Pretty well, the standard was to locate and recognize physical and and human features of the map. The objective was for students to do the same. And that is exactly what the students were doing during the lesson. They used Google Earth to help them find features such as restaurants, stores, mountains, rivers, etc. 

Describe any modifications made during the implementation of the lesson

During the lesson, my modifications mostly came in the form of technological problems. One student could not get Google Earth downloaded so I had to modify and have them use Google Earth on my computer. Obviously in the classroom I would ensure that the iPads/computers the students use would already have Google Earth downloaded and ready to be used. One thing that I did not expect to happen that I had to adjust to was student's search range. I was expecting everyone to just search for things in Flagstaff in the local search, but there were many pins in California. This wide range of pins made the screenshot cover a larger range and made it harder for me to see where the pins are actually placed. Another possible modification would be to reduce the amount of searches for students who seem to be struggling. 

Mechanics:

What technologies did I use (for the teacher and the learner)?

• Google Earth

• Smartboard

• Email

How were the technologies used (by whom and in what manner)?

The basis of this lesson was Google Earth. Both the teacher and students used it. I used Google Earth to demonstrate to students what they would be doing. I used the smartboard to display Google Earth in a way that all students could easily see what they needed to do. Students used Google Earth to complete their activities. For the lesson with my peers they used email to send me their Google Earth screenshots, but I would not use that method with my students. Actual students would use the print function and a printer for this lesson. 

My lesson was within the correct time frame:

Yes, my lesson was in the correct time frame. Two of my peer students finished the lesson and started the survey within the time frame I was given, one did not. I just had that student stop where he was and move onto the survey so that we remained in the time frame. I thought that was ok though, because with students this activity would definitely take more time than I had for the lesson in this class. The peer student who did not finish was able to complete enough that he understood the lesson and had used some of the technology. 

Assessment of Learning (InTask Standard # 6): 

Include at least 2 digital artifacts that demonstrate what you or your students (peers) have created as a result of your lesson

Courtney's Screenshot of her map

Taylor's Screenshot of her map

Jeff's Screenshot of her map

Describe your students' level of success in achieving the standards and objectives for your lesson based on your assessment

All students exceeded on the first aspect of the rubric: Correctly found all four features of the local search (at least as far as I can tell). While I was observing during the lesson they were all correctly using the search and pin functions. Because of the zoomed out nature of their screenshots it makes it a little hard for me to see if the pins are actually on the things they say they are, but I assume they are. With actual students that wouldn't be as much of a problem. They would probably all search for things in a close vicinity. 

Describe the level of success you had in teaching the lesson

I'd say I was pretty successful. I felt that the students were not confused and that they understood the lesson objectives. 

How do your individual reflections support this?

As I have explained in this reflection, I felt prepared for this lesson. My objectives and standards were aligned with the activity that I had my students doing. We were adequately using technology. 

How do the comments from your classmates support this?

I had good comments from my classmates. They all said I was very prepared, that I was very successful in supporting students in learning content, that I was very successful integrating technology, and that the lesson was fun and engaging. Considering success in supporting individual needs two classmates said I was very successful and one said I was somewhat successful and that I should be less specific on what students need to find. I got two comments to have students download Google Earth before the lesson, which I already knew was a problem. 

What did you learn from designing and teaching this lesson and how will you use this in the creation of future lessons/learning activities.

I learned that the PO in the Social Studies standards are performance objectives and that I can use those as the objectives in my lesson. I do not have to create a differing set of objectives. 

I would also like to be more prepared somehow. I didn't like that I was having everyone download Google Earth during the lesson. It would have been nice if I could have everyone download it ahead of time. I definitely like Google Earth and think using it with students is helpful, it might be more helpful to use it in relation to a lesson about a specific place, in supplement with general map skills.