Kirsten+Andrews

My previous ICT experience involves several Interactive Whiteboard PDs, and a reasonable ability level in their use, and proficiency only in the programs and software I use regularly - not many!

I will be pleased to have several units of work completed for our level as part of this course. Specifically, I would like to develop my repetoire of thinking tools and graphic organisers to incorporate into the classroom.

MY INTEL UNIT PLAN OUTLINE: Subject- Humanities Year Level- 3/4 VELS Level Three Topic of Unit - Australian History: Past to Present Unit Summary - Students will explore how things have changed over time, specifically looking at schooling, inventions and local geography. Essential Question: How has Australia changed over time?

SHARING PROJECT IDEAS FOR MY UNIT At this stage, I am considering making real-world connections by students undertaking an excursion to experience what school was like in the 1850s (for example), and then compare with their own experiences of school. The students will also hypothesise about schools in the future, and design their own example. We will also be looking at inventions over time, and the development of the local area. The geography part of this unit will involve looking at how Pakenham has been built up over time, using a variety of maps and pictures. Students will be active participants who guide the direction of the unit and decide on how to present a final product that reflects their learning, specifically demonstrating changes in Australia over time (both a local geographical perspective and a historical educational perspective). One example might be a photo story that uses pictures and an oral recitation telling a story of change.

REFLECTION: 8/6/10 I have adjusted the 'impact of inventions' visual ranking tool to use in the classroom, looking at the importance of inventions in a school environment. I then created a new visual ranking tool, asking students to rank elements of an effective school - including ideas our students have used in their 'School of the Future' design task. I will trial this example in the classroom over the next week, however, for future reference, within the unit, this activity will work as an introduction to the design brief of designing a school of the future. This tool will assist in discussion, communication and collaboration, however, it is still only a small part of the entire unit - it is part of one activity, not the overall project... I'm not yet sure about how to use this tool as part of the student assessment within the unit.