I.   Technology Operations and Concepts:  Teachers demonstrate a sound understanding of technology operations and concepts.

   In planning this Unit, I felt comfortable using the technology necessary to execute the project.  For example, I was able to create a powerpoint presentation for my class with ease.  I also felt comfortable using the Internet and Encarta Software, which students were also asked to use. 

II.   Planning and Designing Learning Environments and Experiences:  Teachers plan and design effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology.

   I designed developmentally appropriate learning opportunities by creating lessons enhanced with the use of technology.  Since a unit on explorers is part of the fifth grade curriculum, I planned a unit that centered on explorers but was taught using technology.  Instead of having students research explorers of the past with the use of literature, I had them use the Internet and Encarta software.  This created student interest in the material and prepared students by introducing them to technology that they could encounter in a future setting.
   In order to evaluate technology resources used during this unit, I simply used the software myself.  I searched for explorers on Encarta to ensure that the material provided on each was reading-level appropriate and that the software was easy to use. 

III.   Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum:  Teachers implement curriculum plans that include methods and strategies for applying technology to maximaze student learning.

A. Motivating Experience: 
Lesson 1 - In the first lesson, the teacher gives a power-point presentation to introduce the assignment.  She uses this presentation to both stimulate discussion and convey expectations.  Teacher also assigns explorers on this day.  Students are encouraged to pretend that they are the explorers themselves and to speak in the first person when speaking of the explorer.

B. Continuous Experiences: 
Lesson 2 – Students use Encarta software to research the lives of their assigned explorers.  Teacher lists all required facts on the dry-erase board.  Students print all acquired information before leaving computer lab.  Students place printed material in their writing folders.

Lesson 3 – Students use the Internet to research the lives of their assigned explorers.  Teacher walks students through the process of searching on the web.  Students are told to find one good piece of information and to print it before leaving the computer lab.  Students are to place printed material in their writing folders.

Lesson 4 – Teacher presents a rubric to students that provides a detailed list of expectations for both the report and oral presentation.  After reviewing the rubric, teacher reviews the concept of highlighting.  Teacher also presents a sample report at this time.  This sample serves as a model for students.  Students highlight important parts of their research and begin to write a rough draft.  Their rough draft is to be written in the first person.

Lesson 5 – Students begin typing their rough drafts on the computer.  Students are to use their written copy as a guide when typing.  Students are to save their typed rough drafts onto their assigned computer in the computer lab.  Students are also to print one copy of their rough drafts.  Students hand in their rough drafts to their teacher to be edited.

Lesson 6 – Students use their teacher-edited rough drafts to make corrections and create a final draft of their explorer reports.  Students print two copies of this final draft.  Students may take one copy of this draft home to practice their presentation.  The second copy is to be graded by the teacher.

C.  Concluding Experience:
Lesson 7 – Students use their final drafts to give a presentation to the class.  Students are encouraged to dress as their assigned explorers.  These presentations are videotaped and presented to all fifth grades in the school.

VI.   Assessment and Evaluation:  Teachers apply technology to facilitate a variety of effective assessment and evaluation strategies.
 
 

V.  Productivity and Professional Practice:  Teachers use technology to enhance their productivity and professional practice.
 
 

VI.   Social, Ethical, Legal, and Human Issues: