The technology necessary to carry out the GAME plan includes computers or a similar device and also access to the internet. The students will need access to information about real world topics of the current time as well as information about historical events in order to make relevant connections. The students will also need access to word processing and presentation programs. This should allow them to locate necessary information and create practical means for sharing or displaying their information.
As this project will involve the students making connections to current real world issues it will be imperative for me to gain an understanding of student interests. This will allow me to aid them in finding a real world topic on which to base their project. It will also be helpful to know the level of skill the students have in the area of technology. This determination would allow for the difficulty with which the project can be designed. However, if a self-paced learning environment is created it should allow for success no matter the level of technological expertise. trying to set technology requirements may hinder or limit the students ability to produce quality work and find relevant information. As the instructor I would like this knowledge to avoid slowing or limiting the progress of my students.
I have begin to look at the areas of study in my curriculum and places where students could make relevant, interesting connections to the real world they see today. Knowing that students are not usually well connected to current events I have begun to look for ways to help them make scholarly connections. I have also begun to look at units of curriculum which can be used to incorporate these types of connections.
Hi Rob,
ReplyDeleteI like your idea of using current events to help student connect your subject matter to the real world. I found a website: http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/subjects/currentevents.htm
that allows you to search current events in different subject matters. I apologize, I did not remember what grades you taught but it might be worth letting the kids explore and tell you what they found. Perhaps you could send them on an online scavenger hunt for videos, articles, and audio clips that could be shared with the class.
Cindy
Rob, When reading your post I also thought of an online scavenger hunt, like Cindy! Funny! Sounds like fun to me! It could be as open or as precise as you'd like (e.g. Name something that happened in Ohio on March 17th..... or Who was arrested in Springfield for embezzlement?)
ReplyDeleteHi Rob,
ReplyDeleteI think getting students to make connections with your subject and real world topics is essential for them to fully see the need for knowing what they are learning. I have overheard many students talking about some of their classes where they cannot see the point in what they are learning, and as such they become totally demotivated within that subject area and this can sometimes lead to their grades slipping.
I like how you are looking to use current events as your real world examples, not only will this help your students learn the content but it will also help them to keep up to date with things that are happening around them and that could potentially affect them in the future.
Thanks for your posting,
Tom