Story Pictures Rationale

Context:

This project was created for CI 3750, Integrating Media and Technology into Teaching, during the spring of 2007. It was created under the advisement of Mary Rogers. A group of four, Sarah Gyori, Meredith Kemper, Kelly Scott, and Jessie Lotrecchiano collaborated together to create this project.

This project covers language arts, social studies, and technology and was developed for fifth grade students. It was designed around ordering a sequence of historical events to be used after a unit on the American Revolutionary War.

 Impact:

As a result of this unit, students learned about five specific events that contributed to America gaining its independence through the American Revolutionary war. Students put pictures representing these specific events in correct chronological order and then wrote a description for each picture, explaining the significance of each event. Through this project, students developed an understanding of American history, along with skills pertaining to writing and technology.

Alignment:

• NETS-T VI-E: This standard deals with providing equitable access to technology and computers for all students. It was met because all students were able to access the computer for this project either through the use of the school computer lab, or through rotating turns to work on the project in groups using the class computer. 
• NETS-T II-A: This standard deals with designing learning opportunities that address diverse learning needs. It was met because younger students were able to do this project by cutting out and matching the pictures and descriptions, older or gifted students were able to create their own picture sequences, visually impaired students had access to this project through Braille and oral descriptions, and ESL students were able to complete the project through the use of translating programs or with the help of a partner.
• NETS-T IV-C: This standard deals with evaluating students using multiple methods of evaluation. It was met by the use of a rubric, for evaluation, that evaluated students on, not only, the correct sequence and descriptions, but also on spelling and grammar.
• NETS-T IV-A: This standard deals with tying technology to assessment. It was met because of the various ways students were able to turn in their assignment; from printing it off, to emailing it to the teacher, to saving the assignment in a shared folder.   There are many ways that a student could use a computer to turn in this assignment. One way would be to have the student email their project to me. This would give them experience in using email. I could also simply have the students print off their finished assignment and turn it in to me. Also, I could have my students save their work under a shared folder on the computer.
• NETS-T VI-D: This standard deals with promoting safe and healthful use of technology. It was met because students were instructed on various methods used to keep them safe when using a computer; from blinking to prevent dry eyes, to using good posture, to taking stretch breaks to prevents stiffness.