Embracing Social Studies

Meclee, (2012). Flag Globe. Retrieved from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_globe.gif

Grade: 2

Subject: Social Studies

Learning about different cultures provides students with a different perspective to their outside world. I would like my students to learn about cultures found in the classroom, and cultures around the community. This digital storytelling project will focus on cultures that students are not familiar with. Students can create a digital storytelling project of their own culture as well; however, it is highly encouraged that students go outside of their comfort zone and learn something new. Students will be able to work in groups of 2-3.

 

Digital Storytelling is any story told through a digital medium and for which text is not the only means of presenting information (Bedell, 2011). Digital Storytelling can include pictures, film clips, artwork, music, and narration. Students are encouraged to be as creative as possible. Students can use the online version of Prezi for their presentations; they may also use a Microsoft Power Point. To include photographs students can use their own digital cameras, or us a digital camera provided by the school. The same policy will apply to video cameras as well.  

 

Students can use the following websites to gain more information on their chosen cultures:

·         http://www.everyculture.com/

·         http://www.mythweb.com/

·         http://www.mesoweb.com/

·         http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/recipes-by-cuisine/world-recipes-pg-953529/

·         http://www.youtube.com/

·         http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Travel_g41.html

·         http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

Students may use other websites that are not listed above. There are plenty of websites that can be found on the World Wide Web. Students also have the option of interviewing someone.

In order for students to use Prezi and other technical tools to its fullest potential, reference guides will be provided to all students. The importance of safety on the web will be reviewed in class and reference guides will be given to students to take home. Class time will also be set aside for students to work on their project in class, in case students have any questions. Students can use any media tool to present their project. Digital Storytelling projects can be basic or advanced. Students will be present their projects to the whole class, so students can learn about all the cultures researched.

Digitial Storytelling

Digital Storytelling on Prezi

 References:

Robin, B. R (n.d.). The Educational Uses of Digital Storytelling. University of Houston. Retrieved at http://digitalliteracyintheclassroom.pbworks.com/f/Educ-Uses-DS.pdf

Bedell, J.T. (2011). Tech for Teachers: Digital Storytelling Meets a Variety of Instructional Needs. The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, (7) 6. Retrieved at http://www.ascd.org/about-ascd.aspx

The Tools of Today!

A classroom community consists of diversity. There will be students who will need more assistance than others. Effective teachers adapt to each students need and provide different learning adaptations.  Students with learning disabilities receive help from their teacher, peers, parents, and technology. Assistive Technology is defined as any item, piece of equipment, or system of products that is used to increase, maintain, or improve, functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities (Bridge Multimedia, 2005).

 

There are plenty of assistive devices that students can use based on their disability. It has been estimated that there are over 4,000 assistive technologies that have been designed for students and teachers. It is important that teachers are aware of different technologies that can be used in the classroom for students with disabilities. It is stated that many companies today are turning their research and development to assistive technology (Steele-Carlin, 2011). There are many devices that are used in the classroom. Below is a list of technologies.

 

• Speech/Voice Recognition- This allows a student to control their computer by speaking. This also types student’s spoken words.
• Personal Reading Machines- This allows for a scan printed page to be read aloud.
• Talking Calculators- Recites numbers, symbols, or functions once the key command is pressed. This also reads back answers to problems.
• Video Description- Provides a descriptive narrative track to what is going on in videos for low vision students and students who are blind.
• Large Print/Screen Magnifier- This is a software function that magnifies the words on a screen, making it more viewable for a student to read.
• Captioning Displays- This presents the spoken dialog on a screen into words.
• Hearing Aids- Amplifies the sound in a classroom for students to hear.
• Computer Eye Command- This allows a student to command a computer with the movement of their eyes.

There are plenty of resources that can be found online for assistive technology. It is important that teachers are trained on each device used in their classroom. This allows the device to be used to its full potential. Students should also have training with each device they will be using. The device cannot assist the student, if the student is not aware of its functionality and how to properly use the device. “The devices that help the least, especially in classrooms, are those that teachers [and students] do not understand” (Steele-Carlin, 2011).

 

References:

Bridge Multimedia. (2005). Assistive Technology Helps all Kids Learn. Education World. Retrieved at http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech220.shtml

Steele- Carlin, S. (2011). Assistive Technology in the Classroom: Helping Challenged Kids Get the Most from Learning. Education World. Retrieved at http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech086.shtml

 (2009). What is Assistive Technology. Retrieved from