Assignment+Directions


 * Week 6 - Application: Upgrading the Curriculum—Wiki Project **

Part of Dr. Heidi Hayes Jacobs’ “A 21st Century Pledge: A Curricular Commitment from Each Teacher” (Figure 2.1, p. 22) requires each teacher to commit to review all current available technological resources in the district, including the following: It may be a difficult task to find the time in your busy schedule to review all of these resources; however, one of the benefits of being a part of an online learning community is the ability to easily share knowledge, expertise, and resources with one another. For this week’s assignment, you will develop a wiki-based resource with your colleagues that provides ideas for upgrading curricular elements and making 21st century tools and technologies an integral part of teaching and learning in the classroom. A wiki can serve as a collaborative brainstorming space to organize and expand upon ideas. This wiki will become a useful repository of strategies, information, and tools to help all teachers. It is also a useful tool to use in the classroom with your students. In Week 3, you received your group assignment and have worked with your colleagues to decide which wiki site you will use, created your accounts, and set up your collaborative workspace, or wiki. This week, explore resources for upgrading the curriculum and consider how these resources might replace outdated elements in your curriculum and classroom. Use the Internet, this week’s readings and media, and other pertinent resources to generate ideas and gather information. Designate a group member to organize your collaborative wiki into three sections: You will contribute to your group’s wiki by providing the following information for each of the three sections listed above: >> >> Finally, complete the following: > > (Assignment length: 2–3 pages)
 * **Online resources:** video streaming; Internet websites and subscriptions; WebQuest creation; Webcasting through laptop
 * **Hardware resources:** video conferencing; laptop labs; digital cameras; digital recording studio
 * **Creative software:** Movie Maker; MediaPlayer; video clips via digital cameras.
 * **Technology Resources**
 * **Replacement Ideas**
 * **Research**
 * **Technology Resources**
 * What is it and how do I use it?
 * Provide a description of a specific technology that supports 21st century skills. Include the basic knowledge and steps necessary to begin using this technology.
 * **Replacement Ideas**
 * How might this resource replace outdated elements and/or provide a more engaging and motivating learning experience?
 * Provide an explanation of the kinds of outmoded practices this technology might replace.
 * **Research**
 * What are the documented uses and benefits of this resource?
 * Post a link to at least on one article, essay, or web-based paper that provides classroom examples, best practices, or research about the use of this technology. Include a brief one-paragraph summary of the information contained in the article, essay, or web-based paper.
 * Create a Word document that contains your individual contribution to the wiki. Each member of the group will submit a separate document to your Instructor. Copy and paste the link to your wiki into your Word document.
 * At the end of your Word document, write 1 or 2 paragraphs describing how you will use this collaborative wiki as a resource in your classroom or school.
 * Submit the Word document to your Instructor.