Instructional Decisions/Teaching (InTask Standard # 9):
What went well and what didn't go well during the implementation of your lesson?
I feel like this lesson went a lot smoother than my last one. I had the app I was using downloaded on the iPads prior to teaching and I had those iPads out and ready for students to use, all they had to do was open the app. I'd say my biggest drawbacks were that I only had one version of the full app and that was on my phone and that I didn't have enough time. I know this practice teaching is meant to just provide some experience in teaching a technology integrated lesson and not be a complete run though, but it would have been nice had I been able to see how the full lesson would play out with students. We didn't have time for students to get back in their heterogenous groups, share, and then create their final assignments.
How well was the alignment to objectives and standards maintained?
Very well. My objectives are the Performance Objectives (PO) taken straight from the standards, so the alignment is precise. The activity is also very aligned with the standards and objective because students are identifying parts and describing the function of the three body systems, which is exactly what the performance objectives ask for.
Describe any modifications made during the implementation of the lesson
There were not any modifications needed that I had not expected. I provided access to links and the iPad and no problems arose there. I had to help students find where to add the body system images to Pixie, but I figured I would have to help with that. Oh wait, the only thing that came up was adding arrows/lines to Pixie that went over the image and could be used to point and label body parts. We asked Mr. Blocher, but then I was able to figure it out.
Mechanics:
What technologies did I use (for the teacher and the learner)?
- YouTube
- iPad
- The Human Body Lite by Tinybop Inc. app
- Google Docs
- Various websites with information and interactive lessons
- KidRex
- Pixie
How were the technologies used (by whom and in what manner)?
I used YouTube videos to introduce the lesson to students. In a normal classroom I would have presented them on the smartboard, but I didn't in here because so many people needed to use the smartboard. The iPad was used by students to play with The Human Body app in order to learn more about the body systems. A GoogleDoc was created by me and used by the students as an easy way to help them access information online. KidRex was used by students who wanted to search for their own information outside of the links that I provided. Pixie was used by students to present the information they had learned about their system and to include information on all the systems.
My lesson was within the correct time frame:
We weren't able to complete the entire lesson I had planned, but the portion I had for students to complete in this class was completed in time.
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
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| Screenshot from Courtney's Pixie Presentation |
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| Screenshot from Lindsey's Pixieresentation |
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| Screenshot from Taylor's Pixie Presentation |
Describe your students' level of success in achieving the standards and objectives for your lesson based on your assessment
Because we only completed half the lesson students were not able to meet all of the objectives for the lesson. However, for each of the systems that they completed they met the objective for that system. They each identified the necessary parts and were able to explain the function of that system.
Describe the level of success you had in teaching the lesson
I think I was very successful. No one seemed lost during the lesson and it flowed rather smoothly. I was able to walk around and assist where needed, but because of the supports I provided students didn't need too much help. Providing the slips of paper with the information that students needed to find was helpful in making sure that each student knew what they were suppose to be doing.
How do your individual reflections support this?
I felt good about the lesson while I was teaching it, and looking back afterwards, I still feel good. Everything went well.
How do the comments from your classmates support this?
Most of my feedback from my classmates said that I was very successful in preparation, supporting students in learning content, supporting individual student needs, and integrating technology. I received one 'somewhat supportive' in supporting students in learning content and a comment that said I should have provided more resources. However, someone else said they liked how I 'provided so many links to work with.'
What did you learn from designing and teaching this lesson and how will you use this in the creation of future lessons/learning activities.
This was my first time creating a jigsaw styled lesson so that was a creative challenge. I also liked how I tied so much more use of technology into this lesson. I had students working on iPads, researching on the internet, and creating a presentation on Pixie. Creating ways for students to present their work in a non- pencil/paper fashion will be helpful, especially because technology is a much more prominent part of kids lives today. They use technology extensively outside of school, so they should be using it in school as well.
