Part 4
In conjunction with my major question for the class, what is the greatest challenge facing the human species in the 21st century, I will also ask more unit based essential questions. These questions include how do humans interact with the geographic environment around them, how does population influence a community, region, country, or continent, what are the causes/effects of migration on a community, region, country, or continent, and how can politics shape both the human and physical aspects of geography. I will know that this Dream It proposal will be successfully integrated into the curriculum if my students have a good understanding of these questions. Therefore, evaluating their understanding of what worked and what did not will be essential.
Through the combinations of surveys, observations, and assessments you will get a more holistic understanding of how the technology helped the students better understand the content in a more efficient way. Or, if it failed in this area. The integration of iPads into the class will be essential to this portion of the Dream It project. Each iPad will be loaded with the applications of Edmodo and Google Drive to allow students to give instant feedback on their coursework and understanding of the project. This will satisfy the survey portion of the evaluation as I can ask kids to respond to their proficiency on the use of technology, understanding the content, and the method of delivery by the teacher. The most appropriate methods will be through Google Forms and the survey and observation responses provided on Edmodo.
However, this cannot be the only method of evaluation. As Watson and Kopnicek said, we must understand our students learning experiences. The only way to adequately do that is through taking notes when the students are amerced in the activities that have been provided. Through observation during independent work you will be able to guide certain students along the proper path and seek feedback from students who have a firm grasp on the topic. Also, I will be able to see where students have struggled and they can explain in the moment what appeared to be difficult. This must all be documented and recorded so that changes can be made in the future to bring the project closer to its overall goal.
Finally, one cannot just rely on surveys and observations. The finished product also is a key indicator of how students understand the curriculum. After finished products on assessments are submitted, I will be able to assess the level of performance on understanding content and balancing technology integration. Once this has been decided I can more accurately decide which questions they truly grasped and which they could have more accurately experienced.
Similar to the integration of content to a class, one cannot rely on one form of delivery for evaluation. There must be a certain balance to provide the whole picture. Through the combination of surveys, observations, and assessments I believe I will be able to get the entire picture of my students understanding that can be easily documented and reviewed.
Through the combinations of surveys, observations, and assessments you will get a more holistic understanding of how the technology helped the students better understand the content in a more efficient way. Or, if it failed in this area. The integration of iPads into the class will be essential to this portion of the Dream It project. Each iPad will be loaded with the applications of Edmodo and Google Drive to allow students to give instant feedback on their coursework and understanding of the project. This will satisfy the survey portion of the evaluation as I can ask kids to respond to their proficiency on the use of technology, understanding the content, and the method of delivery by the teacher. The most appropriate methods will be through Google Forms and the survey and observation responses provided on Edmodo.
However, this cannot be the only method of evaluation. As Watson and Kopnicek said, we must understand our students learning experiences. The only way to adequately do that is through taking notes when the students are amerced in the activities that have been provided. Through observation during independent work you will be able to guide certain students along the proper path and seek feedback from students who have a firm grasp on the topic. Also, I will be able to see where students have struggled and they can explain in the moment what appeared to be difficult. This must all be documented and recorded so that changes can be made in the future to bring the project closer to its overall goal.
Finally, one cannot just rely on surveys and observations. The finished product also is a key indicator of how students understand the curriculum. After finished products on assessments are submitted, I will be able to assess the level of performance on understanding content and balancing technology integration. Once this has been decided I can more accurately decide which questions they truly grasped and which they could have more accurately experienced.
Similar to the integration of content to a class, one cannot rely on one form of delivery for evaluation. There must be a certain balance to provide the whole picture. Through the combination of surveys, observations, and assessments I believe I will be able to get the entire picture of my students understanding that can be easily documented and reviewed.