Goal+1+Level+II

Level II

 * Goal 1 - Facilitate and inspire learning and creativity using existing and emerging technologies**

Example 1: The artifact that I have included to represent my abilities within Goal 1 is a link to an interactive that I use when I am teaching plate tectonics. This interactive, Dynamic Earth, was created by the Annenberg Learner Foundation. Within it, students complete readings, roll over diagrams for additional information, manipulate the webpage in various ways to witness scientific phenomena, play educational games, and complete quizzes and checks for understanding. I like to use this website when I have access to my school’s classroom set of laptops or iPads. This artifact meets Goal 1 because it shows how I can use what I know about inspiring learning to facilitate a learning experience in an online environment, and make an abstract concept clear through the use of technology. [|Dynamic Earth Interactive website]

Example 2: As Many Exceptions As Rules is a biology-based blog that I follow and use within my classroom to spark inquiry and debate. The basis for the blog is that it explores the general rules of the natural world, followed by its exceptions, and after each post, links for additional information and classroom ideas are given. Some examples of stories included in the blog are: Because the reading in these posts can be a bit challenging for some 8th grade students, we often work through each post together and discuss. Then, if appropriate, debate teams are formed after additional research is done on the topic, and students practice developing arguments with evidence and presenting that information. This artifact meets Goal 1 because it shows how I can use technology, specifically blogs, to inspire inquiry around various science topics. [|As Many Exceptions As Rules blog]
 * Whether or not to use a highly infectious or deadly disease to treat a different disease.
 * Whether or not it is sometimes good to get sick, either in general or with some specific disease.
 * Why some birds migrate and others do not.
 * Are crosses between two different animals considered new species? Just how far can you go when you cross-breed?

Example 3: This artifact is an activity called Blabberize Scientist, and I created it as presentation option for my students. This activity uses the Web 2.0 tool, Blabberize, to illustrate and vocalize the life of a famous scientist. I chose this program for the activity because it gives students a new and different way to creatively express their understandings of a topic. Also, this program is a positive presentation alternative for students that are shy and those who have difficulty writing or speaking on the spot. Not only are students presenting information, but this activity additionally requires that students use a discussion board on a wiki webpage to give and receive feedback. This learning activity meets Goal 1 because it shows that I can inspire learning and creativity by encouraging the use of a non-typical technology-based presentation format for expressing new knowledge.