Standard+2

2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessments incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS•S. Teachers: a. design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity b. develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress c. customize and personalize learning activities to address students’ diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources d. provide students with multiple and varied formative and summative assessments aligned with content and technology standards and use resulting data to inform learning and teaching

While looking through the Wikis that were given as examples, I noticed there happened to be one that was health related called "Code Blue", and is found at http://codeblue.wikispaces.com/ It is used by 6th grade students. Since I teach health, it has a lot of relevant information that I use in my classroom. In fact, at one time or another during the school year, I cover almost all of the topics under the general links for "Websites dealing with the Body Systems." I've never used interactive websites with my health students in the past because I haven't had the technological means. I think I might in the near future though. When I do get the technology and set-up a health Wiki, I will be able to use a lot of the links provided.

I use project based learning in a small and simplified way for learning in some of my health classes. Occassionally, I do use small collaborative groups to highlight short sections of a unit and then teach what they have learned to the rest of the class. For example, when I teach the different Body Systems Unit, one group will be assigned to cover the Circulatory System, another group will cover the Respiratory System, and so on. Students primarily use their textbooks for their research although, a few groups will use the computer lab. I do like these types of student projects, but they almost always try to get me to do some of the work for them, or ask questions that they could easily find the answers to on the internet. That's one of the downsides to this project. Another is that one or more groups may not do an adequate job and then I have to spend more time re-teaching the material that the class is missing out on. So sometimes the amount of time that a project like this can take up, can also take even more time because I have to re-teach it. Hopefully, sooner than later, our school will have the technology and a reduced filter system so that some of these tools can be utilized. I think using a graphic organizer like Mind42, or a wiki would be a great way to start incorporating project based learning into my health classes. I think they would really enhance the Body Systems Unit I teach.

Some of the resources that I will need for my Integration Plan will come from The American Cancer Society, The Partnership for a Drug-Free America, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. I know that as part of my integration plan, I will be using a graphic organizer. I have already selected to use Mind42, so I already have the resource bookmarked. I am aware of the other resources, but I'm sure I will find more that will be of great use when I do search for more information. I will use Boolean operators to help with my searching and use of search engines. I'll use such Boolean operators such as, "side-effects of tobacco" and "effects of tobacco on the body". I'll also try "short-term effects of tobacco use" and "long-term effects of tobacco use".

=Tobacco: What do you know?= =This link will take you to a short MYTH or FACT pre-quiz that will test your current knowledge about tobacco before we begin the tobacco unit.= = = =Loading... = = =