Presentation


 * -Discuss the process of how we finally settled on this lesson.**

From Wendy: After discussing various lesson plans and ideas for our assignment we decided our students could use more social studies instruction (especially since we seem to "backburner" this subeject area at our school while preparing for the FCAT). We found a lesson that shows children various places in Florida and found that this particular lesson could easily integrate technology.

From Kathleen~ Our group focused on two or three lesson that we thought would work. At first we were going to go with a Science lesson and add a podcast for our technology, but then we thought that the podcast was just an added feature instead of really enhancing the lesson. _ found the virtual earth lesson. This lesson is a Social Studies lesson integrated with language arts and the lesson could be used across a range of grade levels. The technology piece added much depth to the lesson and it enhanced the students knowledge of the city of choice and it was hands on technology.

From Connie We wanted to focus on a content area and Social Studies/map skills is an area that works for elementary through high school levels.

From Rebel (Jackie)- During a combination of discussion board posts and group chats we all put in ideas and plans in which we were interested. We used our discussions to narrow down a focus point. A wiki was created to organize our plan and give us clear direction.

From Vicki: We were looking for a lesson that would be customizable for various age groups/skill levels. We were also looking to use a technology that could be used in further lessons, and that would help teach students about spatial perspective.

- From Karina: The group agreed that the lesson needed to have a level of technology that was both of high quality, but also had high ease of access in order to be available to all levels of students in any geographic area of the state- be it rural or urban. In addition, we wanted a technology that would be cost effective for the school librarian.


 * -Why you think this lesson integrates technology and not just uses technology.**

Wendy: This lesson integrates technology instead of just using it because even though students are using print resources such as maps and textbook, they can interact with the resource of Google earth. Also, students are more aware of the areas surrounding the destinations they have chosen.

From Kathleen~ The students are actually interacting with the technology to gather their information. The students can look at the maps, pictures, videos, and take a tour of their location. Much more satisfying then looking through an encyclopedia or magazine.

From Connie Instead of looking at a static map on the wall or textbook, students are able to interact with the maps on Google Earth and see the relationships that exist from Florida, the United States, and the rest of the world.

From Rebel Using Google Earth we give the students the ability to clearly see the distance between themselves and their target location. With the graphics on the Google maps the students will understand the type of earth, i.e. flat land; hills; lakes; mountains, that separates them.

From Vicki: The goal of this lesson is to teach students to learn how to study a geographic area. Google Earth is an interactive tool that is being used to enhance the lesson. However, the lesson could still be taught without Google Earth and using traditional maps instead.

From Karina: Using Google Earth allows students to diversify their understanding of geography in relationship to their own spacial perspective, and thus makes is a unique vehicle for students to learn about the earth's geographic make up beyond what they see in other media and their real life experiences. It's makes it global.


 * -What are the unique contributions of the school library media specialist in this lesson?**

Wendy: The MS brings her tech knowledge to the lesson. In addition, she provides information on tech standards and provides the tech tools to complete the lesson.

From Kathleen~ The unique contribution of the media specialist is that he/she can teach this lesson on google earth and so the students that this research tool has many different possibilities. As the students are completing this assignment the students and the media specialist can be jotting down what are some other reasons to use google earth.

From Connie The unique contributions are the fact that the classroom teacher may not even know about Google Earth or be familiar with how to navigate it. The MS can also suggest and model ways for students to showcase their destination such as using Animoto, Smilebox or another format which can be shared with others.

From Rebel Having knowledge of Google Earth will give the Media Specialists the ability to assist with maneuvering the site. Making the assignment run smoothly and giving the teacher the ability to focus on the content of the lesson.

From Vicki: The SLMS is acting as a technology expert in planning, facilitation and assessment of the lesson. The SLMS should be able to troubleshoot any problems that arise, and should be thoroughly knowledgeable in using and demonstrating the software.