LearniT-TeachiT

Grade Focus: Grade 4, Grade 5
Age Level: 9, 10
Subject: Literature
Technology Integration Activity: Discovering the Internet, Online Safety
Estimated Time of Completion: Three hours - projected time is only there to give an idea of time needed, but it can be completed in less time.

Author: Last modified: 02/27/2009

Introduction

Students will create various ways to learn/study vocabulary words and their definitions.

Prerequisite Experience

Students should be introduced to word processing and on/off line research prior to beginning the assignment. Students may view tutorials found on the Nortel LearniT web site to build/refresh their technology skills, including Nortel LearniT: Online Safety http://nortellearnit.org/technology/Online_Safety/and Discovering the Internet http://nortellearnit.org/technology/Discovering_the_Internet/

Teacher Prep Time

1 hour
Familiarize yourself with word processing tables, word art, making puzzles on line.Reserve the computer lab.

Project

Students will use the Internet and selected web sites to research and analyze the accuracy of the information contained on the sites. Using the lessons learned, students will design and create a representation of their vocabulary words in a unique format – table, word art, puzzle, etc.

Assessment/Grading

Teachers will assess ongoing learning through the individual incremental outputs on the project.

Time Management Tips

Students work individually on this project.

Lesson Plan Details

Engage

In this project, students are challenged to learn vocabulary words in a fun and faster way. Pull out all your word processing skills – use tables, word art, thesaurus/online dictionaries, etc.

Explore

A computer with Internet Connection and a Word Processing program (preferably word) will be needed to complete this activity.

Explore word processing tables, word art, thesaurus/online dictionaries, etc. Explore online puzzle makers.

Highly recommended as a starting point for you. Nortel LearniT: Online Safety http://nortellearnit.org/technology/Online_Safety/and Discovering the Internet http://nortellearnit.org/technology/Discovering_the_Internet/

Explain

Review vocabulary and put it in a format of your choice with definitions and/or parts of speech.

         Review vocabulary

         Discuss videos
              Online Safety
              Online Research

         Guide students through web sites, discussions and verify information through research

            http://www.wordcentral.com/
            http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/

Elaborate

Create a word processing document in such a way that we know the definitions and/or parts of speech for each vocabulary word. Below you will find two examples with directions.

Word Splash

Microsoft Word
Use WordArt - type in your name, create a key (eg. Nouns will be one WordArt style and verbs another, etc.), one may also add pictures relating to the words from clip art, digital camera, Spelling Table, or the Internet.

Spelling Table

Microsoft Word
Type your name, press enter twice.
Go to Table, Insert, Table, columns - 2, rows - 21, OK.
Type column headings: Spelling word, Definition.
Type spelling words.
To copy - highlight column of spelling words, Ctrl+C, click in cell where you want the first spelling word to be copied, Ctrl+V. Use shift+F7 (thesaurus).

Evaluate

Your video project will be assessed using the following evaluation rubric.

Evaluation Rubric

Criteria	Unsatisfactory	Needs Improvement	Satisfactory	Exemplary
Research	Limited research, from limited sources	Somewhat well researched from somewhat varied sources.	Well researched, from various sources	Thorough research from varied sources presenting different points of view
Storyboard / planning	Limited planning evident	Some planning evident	Planning evident	Thorough planning evident
Content	Lacks detail	Some detail	Good detail	Excellent detail
Technology Use to Demonstrate Understanding	Technology use with little purpose	Technology use with some purpose	Technology use with purpose	Intuitive technology use with specific purpose
Overall Final Project	Inconsistent and inappropriate aesthetics and technical functionality	Somewhat consistent and appropriate aesthetics and technical functionality	Consistent and appropriate aesthetics and technical functionality	Consistent, creative and appropriate aesthetics and technical functionality

Extend

Students will use the Internet to create their own “twist” to make the learning of vocabulary words easier to swallow. Maybe a slideshow perhaps that takes the form of a game show. Bring vocabulary words to life by taking photos or videos.

Some helpful sites may be:

http://nortellearnit.org/technology/Imaging/

http://nortellearnit.org/technology/PowerPoint_Presentations/

http://nortellearnit.org/technology/Video_Productions/

How about a puzzle? Try:

http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/

Varied Vocabulary