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Technology-Based Instruction
Motivation+Engagement+Rigor=Student Success
April, 2014
Greetings!

This month's newsletter is on technology--a subject that I haven't written about since everyone seems to be at a difference place with its use, often due to resources. Some of you may use Twitter, some may have tablets or other mobile devices, and still others may have flipped classrooms.  Here, I've tried to give you some simple ideas that you can implement quickly in your classroom. And, as usual, I've linked to some resources that may be helpful.

 

In the main column, you'll find a sample virtual field trip to the Louvre.  It's a strong sample with ideas that can be adapted to any field trip.  A special thanks to Abbigail Armstrong for providing the ideas.


Last month, I was busy in South Carolina and North Carolina, so I stayed close to home.  My favorite activity is working with schools, so I had a fun month. If you know someone who is interested in professional development, please feel free to give them my contact information:(609) 474-4677 or [email protected].  

Barbara
Field Trip to the Louvre

 

Today we are going to take an exciting trip to Paris, France!  Your ticket is http://www.louvre.fr/en and your vehicle is your computer, tablet or phone.  Please read the instructions carefully so your trip is not wasted. I want you to have fun and learn something new in the process. We will have a round-table discussion on our magnificent trip Friday. Have fun and I can't wait to hear about your adventure!

 

 

  1. As your tour guide, I suggest you learn some information about the Louvre Museum because you begin your tour.  Start at the Collection and Louvre Palace link. Read the information about the history of The Louvre. You are in Paris and you call home to talk to someone your love. Tell them about the Louvre's history in 3-5 sentences. Include why the museum was established and how it has been important to France.
  2. Now you are ready to take your tour.  Using the same link go to Online Tours. Choose following tour: Egyptian Antiquities, Walk around on the floor to several areas.  Spend 10 minutes learning how to navigate through the museum floor. Go to the help menu for ways to better navigate the tour.
  3. Choose one sculpture from your tour.  Analyze ho it reflects the culture of Egypt. 
  4. Interpret the artwork.  Communicate the artist's statement. Describe what you think the artist is trying to say through the work of art. Expound on the feeling conveyed by the artwork. Describe what the artwork means to you, and why. Explain what you feel is the artist's intended purpose for creating that particular work of art. Examine why the artist made the choices in technique, materials and subject matter and how they relate to the intended purpose.  Your narrative should be approximately one page.

Ideas for other content areas: 

Math: Students can plan the trip to the Louvre, look up the flight, and calculate the cost. Social Studies:  Plan
what to take and how to pack, discuss how to prepare to visit the country, learn about Paris, and the French government.  Also discuss the history of Egypt and the symbolism of the historical time period.  Language Arts:  How did the authors and poets of Egypt impact the culture?  Also teach about critiques and writing the analysis.

Principal's Perspective

 
Technology, as you well know, if critical for today's digital natives.  There are a wealth of resources available to you, but I'd like to suggest a few specific to school leaders.  
 
The first is from the international Society for Technology in Education.  Their blog is my first "go to" for the latest in educational technology.  Next, What School Leaders Need to Know About Digital Technologies and Social Media. Finally, my friend and co-author, Ron Williamson, has a series of five guides for leaders related to social media on his website. They are an excellent, no cost resource for you. 
 Visit my blog
Follow me on Twitter
Like me on Facebook
View my profile on LinkedIn

 

Other Technology Ideas

  

Bring in a guest speaker using Skype or other video-based technology. If you do so, be sure the speaker nows who their audience is, and any key points you want them to cover.

  

Use online surveys, email, or responses on a class blog/wiki/Facebook page for exit slips.

  

Ask students to create storyboards as a prewriting activity. Sites such as www.timeline.com and www.linoit.com allow students to create their own storyboards electronically.

  

Use blogs. For example, choose a person who is famous (related to your subject area).  Create a blog entry explaining who you are and why you are famous.  You can expect a minimum of five follow-up questions from other students and/or the teacher.  Be prepared to answer them with additional information about your person.    

 

 

Recommended Resources     





 
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