Matthew Sonntag: Teacher at Arizona Lutheran Academy in Phoenix, Arizona. I am in my 15th year of teaching, and have only held my present call. Apart from Physical Science, I also teach Chemistry and sophomore religion (Israel's Divided Kingdom). I also coach JV football and JV baseball and serve on the technology committee.
I chose this lesson because of its immediate impact to learning. This topic is one that we are currently going through, and I feel like I could implement its use in limited ways in order to extend learning. I also feel that this chapter lends itself to visual and active learning processes and the Web 2.0 tools that are available make this happen in a way that can't be done with a book and worksheet class. Bonding is such an abstract concept that it lends itself to a multitude of tools: video, flash animations, cooperative learning assignments, online quizzes, and online tutorials. It is invaluable to have these tools with a simple click and allow for connections to the content to be made by the students. It provides innovative content and enables the students to be proactive in their studies, while being more efficient both in how they study and how they learn new and old material.
Your explanation of technology integration
The integration of technology is managed through simple steps that happen in a progression each day. A review of material from their textbook links to the content from a variety of videos that both review and extend known concepts. Online quizzes give a progress report to both the teacher and student, while other online quizzes allow them to take it as many times as it takes in order for mastery of concepts to happen. Vital to the success of these assignments is having the appropriate technology on hand- a computer workstation, iPad, or Chromebook will access and be able to use almost every activity equally.
Why you chose particular Apps/tools
I chose many of the tools because of the visual elements that they employ. Some, like the physics simulation, allow the students to build with atoms in ways that are fun and interactive. Others, like the Youtube videos, allow for them to review using a method different from one they are used to learning. It all allows for a spaced, repetitious plan for learning that involves the students.
How these tools/techniques will improve or differentiate the learner's experience
Google's tools allow for a means by which the entire class can be involved in an activity. Shared documents provide instant feedback and give them the creativity to make their own connections in the learning process. Allowing flexibility in how they respond opens the door to independent learning. There is also freedom in the types of responses that can be accepted, as well as giving them the tools for planning for cooperative work.
Special considerations or expectations that may go with certain technologies
There is a bit of a risk involved in having activities like these. The availability of these tools inside of the home is no guarantee, nor is the reliability of a network. Special consideration may need to be given for students that are not meeting deadlines or completing their part in a cooperative assignment so that it is not detrimental to the rest of the class. Extra time may be needed to explain uses of technology that are both appropriate and time sensitive. Some students may need one on one help in order to complete some of these tasks with basic walk-throughs and individual instruction in how to properly share documents.
Instructor Information