NETS-S: 5. b & c; NCSS: X. a, g, h, & i
Activity XII: Being a Responsible Cyber Citizen. At the beginning of the school year, students complete a WebQuest, or technology-based lesson on Cyber-safety, web-bullying, and ethical behavior while using computers. Students learn to explain and practice how computers should be used in a school setting. In addition, the students take responsibility for themselves in learning how to gather information and avoid sites and information that may be inaccurate or biased. Students also develop the skills necessary for collaboration with peers.
NETS-S: 5. a – d; NCSS: X. c & g
Activity XIII: Know Your Sources. Gifted middle schools students in a 6th through 8th grade class have on-going, integrated mini-lessons built into larger lessons whenever a technology teachable moment occurs. For example, when using Internet-based magazine articles, journal articles, or web sites as a foundation of content within a lesson, students use at least two different sources that offer slightly different viewpoints, when possible. Students then complete a Venn diagram, or similar graphic organizer, comparing and contrasting the content of the articles or websites. They also evaluate the credentials of the authors, the reliability of the source or organization, and the “voice” of the article or web site. Students use the term “voice” to answer the following question: Does the article state “I’ often, indicating opinion biased content, or does the article avoid “I” statements and have reliable resources cited to support the document? These integrated mini-lessons are important because students take responsibility for gathering, analyzing, and utilizing appropriate information.
NETS-S: 5. a & c; NCSS: X. a & c
Activity XIV: Acceptable Use Policy. All students complete the district and classroom Acceptable Use Policies (AUP) to ensure student responsibility for their actions related to technology. Completing the district and classroom AUPs raises awareness regarding the responsibility of using technology and the consequences that result in abusing such privileges. Completion of the district AUP is a requirement for students prior to their use of any district technology. The AUP documents students’ and parents’ awareness of the district’s belief and understanding that acceptable technology use is not guaranteed, should a student choose to violate the agreement/policy.
NETS-S: 6. b & c; NCSS: X. a, h, & i
Activity XV: Making a Technology Tool Guide. Before each project or online lesson, students are provided instruction on how to use a specific program or a new component of a program they have already used, in both the 6th and 8th grade classrooms. In the 8th grade classroom, the students develop troubleshooting guides for classroom computers. These student created guides are written such that anyone could diagnose and fix the problem they are experiencing with their computer. This book also includes helpful hints for different programs or media that are used by the 8th grade on a regular basis.
NETS-S: 6. a – c; NCSS: X. d, e, & h
Images obtained from Comstock Images, 244 Sheffield St. Mountainside, NJ 07092
|
|
Activity XVI: Be a Technology Resident Expert. Students in the gifted 6th through 8th grade classroom volunteer to be selected as a Technology Resident Expert. One of the students who volunteers is elected by their classmates to be a Technology Resident Expert in a certain area of technology. For example, students who have demonstrated strengths using specific technology in the past, or who feel they have enough experience using specific technology, can volunteer to teach other students to use or troubleshoot the technology.
At least one Technology Resident Expert is elected in each of the following categories listed to help troubleshoot or teach usage to other students as they request assistance: Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Kidspiration/Inspiration software, Microsoft Paint (software for creating and editing graphics), Internet Browsing/Free Searches, Online Filing System (such as http://ikeepbookmarks.com), Smart Board Software and Tools, Digital Camera Usage, Scanner Usage, and File Management. Having Technology Resident Experts not only empowers students to act as leaders in the classroom, but provides an opportunity for students to partake in building classroom community relationships. Students are aware that every person has strengths in different areas and that everyone can contribute in the classroom when working with technology.
NETS-S: 6. a & b; NCSS: X. d, e, & h
Activity XVII: Using the Tools. In 6th grade World History, students are beginning to have sole responsibility for their technological activities. Most students attempt minor troubleshooting, but the students are also becoming responsible for their personal computers. The students check out their laptops and report any abnormalities to the instructor. This behavior ensures student accountability and students are solely responsible for the computer assigned to them, thus creating a sense of ownership. Students are also beginning to use USB drives to collect data and transfer it from school to home and back, which helps students see the real life applications of what they are learning. This makes them responsible for transporting the USB drive and information from school to home.
Conclusions
It takes the contributions of dedicated 6th through 8th grade teachers like Rhoades, Biffignani, and Steinkamp to design new curricula that evolves as new standards and new technologies become part of the classroom. These middle school activities contain diverse technologies, learning strategies, and civic engagement for students to learn how to use technology responsibly. We hope other middle school teachers take the challenge to design curricula that promote civic engagement while using technology.
