Context:

The “Story Pictures” activity was created for CI 3750, (Integrating Media and Technology into the Elementary Classroom), during the Spring of 2007, under the supervision of Mr. Jeff Goodman.

Impact:
In this assignment the students will be learning a variety of skills. They will be required to show sequencing skills, technological skills, understanding the mechanics of storytelling, as well as use creative writing techniques.

The following competency goals will be met for the students as a result of this project.

Language Arts

Competency Goal 3: The learner will make connections through the use of oral language, written language, and media and technology.

Competency Goal 4: The learner will apply strategies and skills to create oral, written, and visual texts.

Competency Goal 5: The learner will apply grammar and language conventions to communicate effectively.

Technology

Competency Goal 2: The learner will demonstrate knowledge and skills in the use of computer and other technology.

Competency Goal 3: The learner will use a variety of technologies to access, analyze, interpret, synthesize, apply, and communicate information.


Alignment:

This activity has met the following North Carolina Standards for Elementary School Teachers:

•Standard 1: Elementary teachers have a broad knowledge and understanding of the major concepts in English Language Arts and Literacy.


Indicator 5: Teachers know and understand that reading is taught as a process of constructing meaning through the interaction of the reader’s existing knowledge, the information suggested by the written language, and the context of the reading situation.

Indicator 6: Teachers understand the importance of literacy for personal and social growth.

Indicator 8: Teachers know and understand written and oral composition processes. They understand the written language as a symbolic system; the phonemic, morphemic, semantic, syntactic, and pragmatic systems of language and their relation to the reading and writing process; and the importance of teaching grammar and usage in context.



This activity has also met the following NETS-T Technology Standards:

IV A. Teachers will apply technology in assisting student learning of subject matter using a variety of assessment techniques.

oI have met this standard by introducing these students to Microsoft Word. I have taught them new skills within the technology, as well as given them the terminology to speak about their new skills. I have used both formal and informal assessment techniques while grading student work. I informally assessed them as they were working, asking them questions about their story and about the technology itself. I also formally assessed them, following a the grading rubric I created. This goal was also achieved by making modifications for older and younger learners, assisting student learning at many developmental levels.

IV C. Teachers will apply multiple methods of evaluation to determine student’s appropriate use of technology resources for learning, communication, and productivity.

oI have achieved this goal by showing the students how to use Microsoft Word to create a succinct series of images as well as story text. They can take their skills of cutting and pasting into real world applications, such as cutting a quote from an electronic article and pasting into a paper. This can increase their productivity, where they would have otherwise had to type out the entire selection. I have also opened communication with these learners. They were taught how to speech about the skills that they used while working on this project.

VI D. To promote safe and healthy use of technology resources.

oI have achieved this standard by including a break sessions for the students to stretch. When they have been sitting at the computer for so long, they need to stop, stretch and breathe. This healthy behavior not only makes the students feel better, it also helps them to get away from the assignment for a little bit. When they come back to it, they will more easily see their errors. I have also encouraged students to rotate computer time to keep from having one student working at the computer for too long.

VI E. To facilitate equitable access to technology resources for all students.

oI have achieved this objective by having the students use the computers in pairs, taking turns. The students get equal time at the computer screen, an equal experience creating their work, and equal exposure to the new techniques.

II. A- Design developmentally appropriate learning opportunities that apply technology enhanced instructional strategies to support the diverse needs of learners.

oI have achieved this objective by including modifications for older and younger learners in the lesson. Learners at different ages and developmental skills have different capabilities for understanding technology, but I have provided opportunities for a wide range of learners.