Digital+Camera



THE MOST CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION!

The digital camera was the most familiar gadget provided by the STEP Program, however, it has also been the most challenging to infuse into the English-10 instruction thus far. It challenged my techonological integration technique to the point that I almost thought it would be useless. HOWEVER, I was able to dispell that myth by integrated several lessons that addressed the "non-print text" focus of the English-10 curriculum.

This training addressed the following Maryland Teacher Technology Standards:
 * //STANDARDS ADDRESSED//**

II. Communication A. Use technology effectively and appropriately to interact electronically. 1. Use telecommunications to collaborate with peers, parents,colleagues, administrators or experts in the field.  B. Use technology to communicate information in a variety of formats. 1. Select appropriate technologies for a particular communication goal. 2. Use productivity tools to publish information. 3. Use Multiple digital sources to communicate information on-line.

III: Legal, Social and Ethical Issues

V. Integrating Technology into the Curriculum and Instruction Design, implement and assess learning experiences that incorporate use of technology in the curriculum-related instructional activity to support understanding, inquiry, problem-solving, communication or collaboration. 1. Assess students' learning/ instructional needs to identify the appropriate technology for instruction. 2. Evaluate technology materials and media to determine their most appropriate instructional use. 3. Select and apply research-based practices for integrating technology into instruction. 4. Use appropriate instructional strategies for integrating technology into instruction. 5. Select and use appropriate technology to support content-specific student learning outcomes. 6. Develop an appropriate assessment for measuring student outcomes through the use of technology. 7. Manage a technology-enhanced environment to maximize student learning.

The student-created Photo Story below will display the fruits of labor of one cooperative group in my English-10 class. We studied the legend of King Arthur, and their story depicts illustrations and captions that explain how King Arthur emerged as the King of England.
 * //__Description__//**

As a high school teacher, it is difficult to motivate TEENAGERS to learn, as a special educator, my job is twice the challenge due to the frustration my students have experienced for SO LONG due to their disabilities. This project was a horse of a different color! My students actually laughed, giggled, and enjoyed working together and having their pictures taken and voices recorded. This project was a delightful addition to the technology the kids have become accustomed to (and therefore less excited about). It brought a shining light out of them I was so happy to see. They did an AWESOME job, if I must say so myself.
 * //__Reflection__//**

media type="file" key="STEP Photo Story_1.wmv"

__//**Description**//__ The teacher-created Photo Story is designed as a "warm-up/introduction" to a review of an entire unit of study called, "Facing the Enemy," during which English 10 students studied three human injustices: The Holocaust, Japanese Internment, and the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. Students read stories, a novel, and participated in extensive discussion, a formal debate, and various exercises during their studies. Several projects, activities, and mini-lessons all preceded the final project, a persuasive essay. The focus of the essay was to write a comparative analysis of which human injustice they thought was the WORST in the history of mankind.

__//**Reflection**//__ The photo story simply provides an overview of all of the above, as a prelude to a review for their reading comprehension assessment. It is meant as a warm-up to provide an overview of what we have done, and what will be covered on their final assessmen. It also afforded me the opportunity to applaud my students on jobs well done, a rare opportunity teachers get beyond our bulletin boards. Creating the Photostory was extremely FRUSTRATING because I lost it THREE TIMES! YES - 3!!! I tried to use the "save as you go" strategy, to no avail on the second attempt. I am not sure what I did wrong, but I almost had TWO heartattacks when I realized all that work had been lost. I suppose with a little more practice, I will get used to the program and have fewer disasters. That being said, not only are they pretty neat to show off your technology skills, but I think the possibilities of Photostories are endless.

media type="file" key="STEP Photo Story teacher.wmv"