Part B - Application of TPACK

The technology I have chosen, Senteo Response Smart lessons, will support my teaching strategies as I address the problem of inspiring my middle to low level language arts students.  The lessons I plan to create are interactive from beginning to end.  In the introduction phase of my lesson, as I present the common vocabulary terms, I will use a Smart file.  I will randomly call students up to the board to move objects, pop virtual balloons, and spin cubes as we explore the grade level vocabulary.  I also intend to have a poll near the beginning of the lesson in which I poll the class for the prior knowledge of each of the ten words I am introducing.  They will use the clickers to post their answers which will be compiled into a chart for immediate viewing followed by discussion.  Lastly, I will assess the students' knowledge of the definitions at the end of the lesson using the clickers.  I will know right away which terms I need to review before assessing again.

The technology will make the content more accessible by allowing for various means of representation of the terms.  Using several different creative Smart tools to display the content will make it more visually appealing.  The students will also have the opportunity to come to the Smart Board and draw their own pictures and symbols for each word.  Lastly, as I stated earlier, the ability to assess students' knowledge and receive immediate feedback (thanks to the clickers), will allow for review of misunderstood information. The anonymity of the clickers will reduce threats and make the environment more conducive to learning.

The problem with which I am dealing is students who lack motivation, so I hope to keep my students engaged by using a variety of interactive tools.  As I mentioned above, there are many cool Smart tools that can be combined with the Senteo Response Smart lessons.  Getting students out of their seats throughout the lesson is a pedagogical method that is much-needed for the middle to low level learners I am targeting for this project.  Activating prior knowledge is another pedagogical strategy aimed at processing the content and supporting memory of the definitions.  Finally, by using the clickers to answer questions throughout the lesson, students can begin to monitor and manage their own comprehension.