Project #1

Project #1

Dave Baloga
EDMT 380-002
Spring 2004

In the spring of 2004, I created a lesson plan titled "Interviewing a Historical Figure." Using the links below, you can access the different components of this lesson plan, including a web component (topic hotlist), software component, and the lesson plan itself. On this page is the final reflection, written after the assignment was completed.

Web Component	I created a topic hotlist as a web page. It contains several links to different web sites about historical figures and interviewing tips that will be helpful for the students.
ITV/Software Component	I chose to integrate the software program TimeLiner into my lesson plan. This is an evaluation of TimeLiner and its supporting materials.
Lesson Plan	This is my final lesson plan after integrating all the necessary components.

Final Reflection

Description
I created this project during the spring semester of 2004 in EDMT 380. For this project, I evaluated an instructional software application and integrated it into my lesson plan. I also created a web component, a topic hotlist, which includes links to web sites that relate to the lesson. This artifact reveals my competency in Wisconsin Teaching Standard #6, teachers communicate well. This artifact applies to this standard in that I have created a lesson plan that incorporates technology that requires the students to work collaboratively and encourages students to express themselves using media. The students created timelines and gave multimedia presentations using the software program TimeLiner.

Analysis
I believe that this project would be very successful in a classroom setting. The project incorporates the use of a software program providing an enriched learning opportunity in which the students are able to further develop their computer skills. Another strength of this project in terms of this standard is that it incorporates communication skills, especially listening and speaking. The students learn how to conduct an interview by watching a video. Furthermore, as partners, they create a multimedia presentation to guide their interview. The students are learning how to communicate effectively, both verbally and nonverbally, and are developing critical listening skills as well, both of which are vital life skills. In addition, the students are learning to be reflective learners by watching a videotape of their interview and writing a short paper. The paper will include the strengths and weaknesses of their presentation, what they would do differently if they were to do the interview again, and what they can improve on.

As I created this project, I learned that standard #6 is very important to teach. Oftentimes it is overlooked by other curriculum material, but it is important for students to be aware of how they communicate and that it is a means for self-expression, identity development and learning. I personally have learned an effective way to incorporate the power of language in a way that is challenging, interactive, and fun for the students.

Reflecting on Growth
Creating this artifact had a profound impact on my future as a teacher. Prior to high school, I had never been taught communication skills in school. Doing this project has increased my awareness of the importance of teaching the power of language at a young age. As a future educator, I will make sure that my students learn how to expressive themselves positively, be attentive listeners, and be sensitive to how different cultures communicate. Creating this project has helped prepare me for teaching students those things.

Something that I think I can improve on is creating a lesson plan. I could have been more descriptive and been clearer in terms of the objectives of the lesson. However, this project has helped me learn how to integrate technology into the curriculum in a new way by using a software program. I am excited to see how my future students will respond to this lesson.
If I were to do this project again, I would have spent more time getting familiar with the software program TimeLiner. If I were to have to teach a student how to use the program right now, I would not be able to do it as well as I should because I have not spent sufficient time navigating through the program.

Overall, the project went quite well and I believe that this lesson would fit very well into the curriculum and would be something that the students enjoy doing. Not only that, but the assignment will develop skills that the students will use for the rest of their lives and they will gain great experience with the interviewing process.

| ITV/Software Component | Topic Hotlist | Final Lesson Plan |

Questions? Feel free to email me at dave@mikebaloga.com
Tuesday, May 18, 2004 3:51 PM