Wicked Problem Project

The Problem

As a middle school language arts teacher, I have a wide variety of learners at many different skill levels.  We have spent quite a bit if time focusing on the lower students and the higher students, but not as much time on the students in the middle. Unfortunately, often these middle students slip through school with Cs and Ds.  They tend to be less motivated, and unexcited about school.  I see the boredom seeping through their eyes as I try to cram new vocabulary into them. Therein lies my problem: How do I motivate my mid to low level language arts students?

The Solution

The solution I chose was the Senteo Smart Response clickers.  As I got out these new learning tools, my students’ eyes began to light up.  Excitement filled the room, almost too much, but after calming them down by explaining the importance having immediate feedback, we began our first lesson. I presented ten 6^th grade common vocabulary words using an interactive Smart file with questions embedded throughout for which the students used the clickers to answer.  I was hoping that this would keep the students engaged, and it did.

What is the TP knowledge for the solution?

This technology supports my teaching strategies and methods by allowing for immediate response and feedback, hands on learning opportunities, visually appealing presentation methods, and collaborative tools.  First, I had the students use the clickers to identify their previous amount of knowledge of each word.  This served two purposes: Number one, it provided me with a starting point for creating my presentation of the words.  Second, it exposed them to and got them thinking about the ten new words.

What is the TC knowledge for the solution?

Next, as I presented the content, ten common vocabulary terms, using an interactive Smart file.  I randomly called students up to the board to move objects, pop virtual balloons, and spin cubes as we explored the grade level vocabulary. The technology made the content more accessible by allowing for various means of representation of the terms.  Using several different creative Smart tools to display the content made it more visually appealing.  The students had the opportunity to come to the Smart Board and draw their own pictures and symbols for each word. 

What is the PC knowledge for the solution?

*Unfortunately, I cannot embed this screencast into this blog.  I tried many times.  I was able to embed it in my wiki page, so it must have to do with this blog.  Please use the link to view my screencast.  Thanks.

Because the problem with which I am dealing is students who lack motivation and focus, I was able to keep my students engaged by using a variety of interactive tools.  As I mentioned above, using cool Smart tools combined with the Senteo Response questions, and getting students out of their seats throughout the lesson were all pedagogical methods much-needed for the middle to low level learners I targeted.  Activating prior knowledge was 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 were able to monitor and manage their own comprehension. The ability to assess students' knowledge and receive immediate feedback (thanks to the clickers), allowed for review of misunderstood information. The questions embedded in the presentation of the words required higher order thinking skills by requiring application of the words.  On a side note, this type of practice also reinforces much-needed test-taking skills as well.

Using SMART Response Clickers to Motivate Mid to Low Level Language Arts Learners

Group Leadership Project

Our group originally decided to create our tutorial in Camtasia becase I was advised that it was en easy program that works well with Powerpoint.  I downloaded Camtasia and began working on my section.  In the meantime, Jeannine was the first to complete her section using Camtasia.  Through email, she communicated that she was finished, but she was having trouble transferring it to us because of the size of the file.  Because of these difficulties, Jeannine suggested we use PowerPoint and Audacity instead.  At that point, I created my PowerPoint and script with no problems.  Then it was time to record the audacity file.  Having a script did help, but various stimuli interrupted my recordings.  From someone eating cereal in the other room (beyond a closed door) to my kids constantly needing something in the middle of my three minute recording to my own stumbling on a word or two, it took several tries before I produced a near perfect recording.  Next it was time to insert it into my PowerPoint which was supposed to be simple.  In fact, when I listened to the final project, it was great.

Unfortunately, when I sent it to Jeannine and Gary, they could not hear my audio.  It turns out it wasn't "in" the PowerPoint for some reason.  I could hear it because the audacity file was on my computer.  So...after advice from Jeannine through emails filled with steps and even a screenshot, and Dr. Plair over the phone, I finally was able to insert my audacity into my PowerPoint.  To be honest, I am not sure how I finally got it to work.  I had so many copies of the file on my desktop and on my external drive.  Dr. Plair thought that maybe the fact that I was trying to pull the mp3 file from my external drive instead of my computer might be causing the problem, so I moved both files to my C drive. 

From all of this, I learned a few lessons.  First, I can not record when there is anyone else in the house.  Second, I am much more familiar with PowerPoint and audacity.  Third, I really should write down instructions when I learn knew technological applications(i.e. putting audacity into PowerPoint and sharing it all on the web).  And, last, the more I use these technologies, the better I get.  I must force myself to go back through the new tools I have been exposed to in 811 and 812 in order to remember how to use them in the future.

If I develop a similar product again, I will definitely create a script and storyboard.  I will do my recordings at school after everyone is gone. Also, I might try to use Camtasia because of the great things I have heard about it from classmates and instructors.

Here is a link to our tutorial:

Livebinders Tutorial