Thursday, March 30, 2017

Reflections on Lessons Implementation

  1. Instructional Decisions/Teaching (InTask Standard # 9): Discuss the implementation process and describe
    • What went well and what didn't go well during the implementation of your lesson? The overall lesson went very well. I had enough time to show the video for my lesson, read the handout with the students, and have the students complete the activity. What didn't go well is that I was not clear enough on the assignment and one of my students misunderstood what was expected of them.
    • How well was the alignment to objectives and standards maintained? The alignment to the objectives and standards in my lesson were well maintained. My students identifed components of narrative writing and created their own narrative using technology. This aligned to my ELA and ISTE standards.
    • Describe any modifications made during the implementation of the lesson. I did not make any modifications during the lesson.
  2. Mechanics:
    • What technologies did I use (for the teacher and the learner)? I (the teacher) used youtube and computers. My learners used computers and microsoft word to complete their assignments.
    • How were the technologies used (by whom and in what manner)? Youtube was used  by me to introduce the topic of my lesson. Microsoft word was used by the students to complete the writing of their narrative stories.
    • My lesson was within the correct time frame
      • It was short because…
      • It was too long because…
      • The lesson was within the correct time frame because... My lesson was within the correct time frame. I had enough time to show the video, read the handout with my students, and give enough time for the students to complete their assignment.
  3. Assessment of Learning (InTask Standard # 6): Refer to Assessing Student Learning; attached in Blog Phase I
  4. Include at least 2 digital artifacts that demonstrate what you or your students (peers) have created as a result of your lesson


    • Describe your students' level of success in achieving the standards and objectives for your lesson based on your assessment. Based on my assessment checklist (which you can see on the blog below), my students met the standards and objectives for this lesson. They identified the components during discussion and reading the handout. They implemented the components. One of my students misunderstood the assignment (her artifact is not posted here). Other than that, my students were successful. 
    • Describe the level of success you had in teaching the lesson. I had a high level of success in teaching this lesson, but there were a few things I wish I did differently. Mostly, I wish I was more detailed with my lesson plan because at times I almost forgot what I was planning on doing with certain parts of the lesson. I would also like to have made it more interesting.
      • How do your individual reflections support this? My reflections support this because I recognize what I need to do differently and I can also take advice from my classmates involved in the lesson.
      • How do the comments from your classmates support this? My classmates gave me good feedback, and they enjoyed my lesson. They believed I made good use of technology in this lesson, which I appreciated. One classmate believes I should have made it a little more interesting, which I understand.
  5. 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 from designing this lesson that it can be a little difficult to find ways to integrate technology with certain lessons. I found a writing activity to be a simple way to incorporate this technology and also using youtube to introduce the lesson. In my future lessons, I will look for more interesting ways to incorporate technology into my lesson. I would like to use more websites that offer cool features for students that can be used for activities. Mostly, I will strive to make future activities or lessons more interesting.

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Micro Lesson 1 - Narrative


·       Reflections: Assessing Prior Knowledge and Planning Instructions:
o   What do the students need to know prior to the lesson?
The students need to know how to write a story. The students need to understand the basics of writing and the elements within writing a story. The students need to understand how to use microsoft word.
o   How will prior knowledge and experience be assessed?
Prior knowledge and experience will be assessed by the teacher directing a discussion on writing a narrative at the beginning of the lesson to assess what the students already know.
o   How will you use this information in the planning process?
I will use this information to guide the lesson and to understand what part of my lesson needs further explanation to the students.
o   Why should the content of this lesson be taught at this grade level?
This content should be taught at this grade level because it is aligned in the standards. It prepares students on how to create a creative work of writing and what they need to do to accomplish writing a story.
o   How do the objectives that you have for the lesson align with the standards?
The objectives align with the standards because my lesson will outline the elements of creating a narrative story and give students insight on the assignment. Students will then be able to create their own work using microsoft word. Students will also be able to identify components of writing a narrative.
o   When will the lesson be taught in the course of the school year? Why?
It will be taught during an english unit. It will be taught to teach students how to create a narrative writing.
·        Reflection: Designing Instructions:
o   Why are you using the instructional methods you have described?
I am using these methods to give students different resources to understand the assignment. The youtube video provides prior knowledge on the assignment the students will be completing. The handout also aids in their creation. I believe using helpful resources is helpful to instructional methods.
o   How do the instructional methods align with what you know about best practices (think about your methods classes)?
My instructional methods align with what I know about my best practices because there is room for learning, discussion, and sharing in my lesson. The students are given an opportunity to create something which they may find exciting and engaging in this lesson. I believe it is important to keep the students engaged.

o   How are you engaging students in creative and higher order thinking?
I am engaging students by allowing them to come up with a narrative story. They will create this work of fiction and be able to use their creative thinking skills while doing so. They have to come up with their own work and this stimulates their higher order thinking.
·       Reflection: Planning Assessment:
o   How does the assessment align with the standards and objectives of this lesson?
The assessment measures the completion of the narrative and making sure each component that was taught to the students was met. This will show whether or not students were engaged and actively paying attention.
o   How does the assessment demonstrate that the students have been successful in learning the content?
The assessment demonstrates success by measuring the students success in writing a narrative. It is a checklist to make sure each point was met in the students creation.
o   How does the assessment demonstrate student engagement in higher order thinking?
The assessment demonstrates student engagement in higher order thinking by making sure the student comprehends the elements of a narrative story.
o   How does the assessment demonstrate that the individual student needs were met?
The checklist checks for each element the story should meet. It shows what the student met and what they fell behind on based on what checklist points they met.
·       Reflection:
o   How does your lesson meet each of the ISTE NET’s Standards?
My lesson meets the ISTE NET standards by creating student learning and using technology to create an artifact of this assignment. My lesson facilitates student learning and creativity and allows students to model digital age work and learning.
o   How does your lesson meet Standard 1: Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity?
Students are creating a personal narrative of a fictional story of their choice. They are learning the elements of a narrative story and learning how to incorporate these elements into their story. It allows them to be creative and go where they want with the story they are writing.
o   How does your lesson meet Standard 2: Provide Digital Age Learning Experiences and Assessment?
Students will be using technology such as microsoft word to have a digital age learning experience. They will also learn by watching an online youtube video.
o   How does your lesson meet Standard 3: Model Digital Age Work & Learning?
Students are creating a digital work and this will model their learning of creating the work and using the technology to do so.
o   How does your lesson meet all four elements of Standard 4: Promote and Model Digital Age Citizenship and Responsibility by:
§  advocating, modeling, and teaching safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources.
§  addressing the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources.
§  promoting and modeling digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information.
§  developing and modeling cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with colleagues and students of other cultures using digital-age communication and collaboration tools.

My students will be digital citizens by being responsible with the technology they are using. They have the option to use the internet if needed as a resource, and they will do so responsibly. They will use microsoft word appropriately by using it to write their narrative story. They are creating their own intellectual property by writing this narrative, and using digital tools to do so. I believe my lesson meets the elements of the standards.