Odds and Ends (for teacher)

Resources: See links above.
A. Do the essential or driving questions suggest a final product that is part or all digital?
The point of this project is for students to be thinking about the way they conduct themselves and how their philosophy on life has the potential to change the world. To share their ideas, they must create something that can be viewed easily by not just their classmates, but other students in the world as well.  To do this, their presentations are digital.

B.  What digital tools and resources help explain the content or allow learners to interact with the content?
All resources and tools have been added as links in the timeline of learning.

C.What preparation does the educator need to do to make sure the technology and support is in place prior and during the unit? What materials are needed?
I must make sure the computer lab is working and signed out under my name.  I must check to see that the computers have working microphones and that all students have their permission forms submitted so they can use both googledocs/blogger.  Furthermore, I will need to test and make sure LanSchool is working.

D.  What previous technology skills should learners have to complete this unit?
Basic keyboarding skills, the ability to click on links and follow instructions.  Students will need to understand the importance of digital citizenship (lesson to be taught prior to this project http://tce596chelseye.blogspot.com/2013/07/week-5-digital-citizenship-activity-for.html).


Educator Preparation:
Sign out computer lab/laptops
Examples are already created
Parent permission for googledocs/blogger (many students already have this)


Tools and Resources Provided to Learners:
http://voicethread.com/
http://www.blogger.com/

Tutorials and Templates Provided to Learners:
LanSchool, tutorials online (see links)

Briefly explain how the resources, tools, and tutorials may be used to differentiate content or process for learners:

Tutorials will allow for those who are less tech savvy to learn via example.  Furthermore, LanSchool allows for students to see a teacher example first and can even allow for the teacher to take over the student computer to show them step by step how to complete something.

Reason(s) for chosen technology(s):
- Almost all students in district have parental consent to use googledocs so this is easy and students feel competent using this.
- Voicethread is something new that students would have fun with and would allow for a students to use digital imaging technology to communicate.
- Blogger allows for students to be reflective in their learning and also collaborate with their peers using technology.

Instructional Plan: See the timeline.
Management: Normal classroom management, LanSchool program for assistance.  Students will be working primarily in the computer lab for this assignment (see timeline for more information). 
Differentiation: I will modify the writing assignment and also the voicethread slide requirements.  Extended work time/ due dates to align with student IEPs.

Closure and Reflection: Blog post and give students feedback