The implementation of my Curriculum
Web will begin in about 2 weeks in my class. The students will be 8th
graders who are studying American Studies I. My classes are heterogeneously grouped
students and different projects will be available based on their interests and ability.
The curriculum will be conducted on line using the schools wireless laptop computer lab on wheels, i.e. C.O.W.S. (computers
on wheel stations). There are 40 laptops available with this type of computer
lab and we have 4 different C.O.W.S. My largest class is 31 so there are plenty
of computers available through this format. In addition, every teacher at my
school has 5 computers in our classrooms. I plan to present the curriculum web
to my students over two days. The first presentation will take place as a group
in class through our Epson projector, which will allow me to explain the information to them thoroughly. Then the next class period we will have the C.O.W.S. available so that students can follow along as I model
how to manipulate my Curriculum Web.
In our school students are very technologically sound. Technology is part
of our vision here at Urbana Middle School. All students take a preliminary technology
class in the 6th grade and are held accountable for competency based on the MTLSS standards. However, if a student would be struggling with the technological side of the assignment, I would individually
work with the student to ensure that basic competency is achieved. In the event
that our technology would happen to fail or the system would happen to be down, then I would go to a simple paper process
with research occurring through the library.
Our school has a technology coordinator who would be able to assist me with issues that may possibly arise and our
Renzuli teacher who works with gifted and talented students would be available to assist as well. I will monitor the students by walking around the room and discipline students based on the schools fair
and acceptable use policy.
As for extension or follow up activities, once again students can use the Renzuli teacher whose position is based on
extending students knowledge and enrichment. In addition, if students need more
time with the assignment and computers they can come to morning, lunch, or after school tutoring and use the 5 computers in
my room, go to one of the 3 computer lab in the school, or I could keep one of the C.O.W.S. in my room as well.
Lastly, I will assess student progress through monitoring them individually and keeping timelines of progress that
should be accomplished. After the projects have been completed, I will allow
students to give me feedback through a simple on-line survey developed through SurveyMonkey.com.
