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Charles P. Sabulski LTMS 600 Summer 2010 Web 2.0 Harrisburg University K. Murphy


 * __Student Engagement Technology__**


 * __Importance of Engaging Students__**

The engaging of students into the learning process can be achieved utilizing many proven instructional strategies with the hope of increasing student achievement and developing all students to become life long learners. Educators who embrace the concept of identifying and implementing proven instructional strategies into their daily teaching routine in an effort to assure that all students obtain the information and knowledge that is being presented will experience a fulfilling professional career. These educators are eager to make every attempt possible to reach even the most challenging student by discovering that instructional strategic key that will unlock the door to a learning environment that is engaging and exciting for students and educators alike. Enacting such an approach will create an educational experience for all students that break down barriers that limit students of their potential achievement both in education and life long personnel growth. Educators have the potential for discovering those qualities that all students have for developing into educated and productive citizens.


 * __Technology as an Instructional Strategy__**

One such instructional strategy is based on the introduction and implementation of technology tools into the instructional process. This method of engaging students may be perhaps the most influential considering almost all students have a high imbedded demand for utilizing technology in almost every aspect of their development. For today’s students the use of technology in the learning process is surely a winning formula if the technology is integrated and managed in a focused and stuctured manner. The world our students must compete in for career gains throughout their lives is based in technology.


 * __Google Docs and Weblogs__**

I will focus on 2 technology tools within this discussion, Google Docs and Weblogs (the product Edublogs to be specific). I will attempt to share my understanding of how these tools can be implemented into an educational setting with the focus on student engagement toward increased student achievement. This being my first attempt at developing a Wiki, I welcome any constructive guidance and comment. Also, discussion concerning this chosen topic is encouraged and welcomed. I hope to build upon this opportunity to learn and develop future Wikis that will focus on further discussion regarding student engagement.

Example Lesson Plan:

Activity Title: Bone Lengths

Purpose: The activity’s purpose is to enhance both anatomical knowledge of bones, in particular measurement of bones, but more importantly integrating mathematics and scientific process into the lesson.

Activity:
 * Students will listen to a presentation regarding the average length of the different types of bones at different stages of development. The presentation will utilize the formulas needed to accurately measure bone length along with visual examples by way of x-rays.
 * In a team effort students will measure the circumference of their heads using a piece of string and metric ruler.
 * This same exercise will then be executed by the teams using other bones in the body example humerus, ulna, femur, etc)
 * Discussion will then occur between teams utilizing www.wikispaces.com where the results will be posted along with each team’s detailed account of process leading to the results.

 Question or Idea: The discussion will be an opportunity for each team to ask questions and present comments regarding the processes utilized including proper use of the provided formulas. Though not as important to the purpose of the exercise and as time allows, it will also allow students to discuss more in-depth the various bone structures which will assist them in future lessons.

Technology Tool: The choice of wikispaces because I wanted to conduct a lesson that will engage the students through open and critical discussion. Good scientific process must hold up to critical discussion and comment.

Assessing the Lesson: The assessing of the success to this lesson will be measured by both the level of engagement by students and the level of critical thinking.

PA Department of Education Standards and Anchors: Mathematics Standards: 2.3.5D and 2.8.8.H Mathematics Anchors: M8.B.1.1 and M8.D.4.1

National Health Care (CORE) Skill Standards www.nchste.org

Technology Standards: ISTE National Educational Technology Standards for Students "[]"


 * __Weblogs (Edublogs)__**

Edublog is a weblog product that is made available to teachers and students as a means of integrating technology into classroom instruction. This tool is not only used by teachers but is designed by teachers which provides a form of ownership to the profession worldwide. In addtion to the individual blogging some additional functions include student's ability to develop and mange blogs. This a wonderful educationally based tool that provides educators the ability to share materials such as calendars, documents and instructional strategies. Educators have the ability to develop or assist students to develop functions that will allow for both inclass and after class discussion and or debate specific to the subject matter or topic that is current to the instructional process. Educators can also include such functions as video/photo upload or poscasting in an effort to further engage student involvemnet and discussion. Student blogs can also be created in a batch format with the required safety and secutity parameters bult in.

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 * __Google Docs and Wiki Differences__**

Note: iGoogle: []

The following is an in class collaborative activity that illustrates some differences and similarities between the available functions of these 2 tools. I will use this as an lead into how these 2 tools may be best used when attempting to integrate them into class instruction in the hope of advancing student engagement and knowledge proficiency.


 * Wiki's appear to be a good multi-page web-type project avenue which could accumulate vast amounts of information for one creater to share with others.
 * Google Docs have multi-user editing capabilities.
 * Google Docs have many educational based options for creating documents, tests/quizzes, surveys, spreadsheets, lessons, etc. which can be used directly in the classroom with students.
 * Google Docs are good for private (not to be seen except for specific people) discussions
 * Wiki's usually have a focused niche on a single topic with subtopics. Google Docs are more open.
 * Wiki's can link to other pages inside of the wiki, Google Docs doesn't have that functionality.
 * Wiki's have a navigation side or top bar to drill down and browse. Google Docs have folders for organization.
 * Google Docs has a semi-live editing mode where a person can type text and the others see it almost immediately.
 * Wiki's are more text and media based, where as Google Docs is more office based- presentation, formatting, spreadsheets, forms.

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- Matt, Mike, & Charles none SavePreviewText Editor