Interdisciplinary Pathways, Vol.4 No.4
"Did You Say,
"INTEGRATE Technology???"
Yes we did...the easy way! Here are a few ideas for using "Virtually Yours" to integrate technology with standard curriculum in every subject. The best part is that you start with your own curriculum:
- VIRTUALLY YOURS in SOCIAL STUDIES/GEOGRAPHY/HISTORY: What region were you planning to study next? Your students could pretend to be a resident of any country as they write a story about it. Study and share these geographical regions, landmarks, historical periods, or important events by writing, drawing, or creating portfolios or 3-D models. For more examples and suggestions, see Ann Thompson's, instructions for "As We Were Then..." You can create your own and we will publish them or point to your web page from Virtually Yours.
- VIRTUALLY YOURS in 3-D MATH/GEOMETRY: Have you been searching for a way to teach planes and angles? Look no further. See directions, objectives, and help files at Vincent Massey School Ottowa, Canada...or see examples HERE. Betty Crooks, Canadian teacher, creates a 3-D gallery of math shapes with her students in this hands-on project. These models will become a part of MidLink's virtual 3-D Gallery. You can create your own 3-D models by using the "Tabs" software Betty used...or Virtus 3-D, etc. You could also use, HyperStudio, Digital Chisel, M-Power, or even simple a word processor to create a 2-D project. Publish the best ones in Virtually Yours.
- FAMOUS
MATHEMATICIANS are VIRTUALLY YOURS
in Math: Follow the example of Orlando math teacher, Cathy Stephens and her
students. They created PowerPoint "reports" about mathematicians whose
studies changed the world. Get ready for some great examples of integrated math/language
arts activities. They're VIRTUALLY YOURS...and they will play in real-time on the web! You
can publish yours in Virtually Yours.
- VIRTUALLY YOURS in SCIENCE: Study the weather, flora, or fauna in your selected region.
Collect and compile your data in a database or spread sheet. Share your data using
any of the multimedia tools such as HyperStudio, PowerPoint, M-Power, Digital Chisel,
etc. Create a virtual (computer-generated) model of a cell...or even a 3-D
map. Publish the best of your final products in Virtually
Yours.
- VIRTUALLY YOURS in LANGUAGE ARTS: Weave a computer writing activity into your course. Let
students write and draw about their chosen region...or even a region in a novel they are
reading. Let them pretend "You Are There!" When you share these activities
in MidLink Magazine, your students will get the thrill of publishing that will inspire
them to write even more. Publish the final product in the Virtually Yours Gallery.
Final Note: We would welcome your suggestions for further activities and web sites related to our theme. Your idea may be just the inspiration we need to get started on another great project. This invitation and related projects will remain in the current issue of MidLink from MAY - OCTOBER.