By Hannah Vargo

Technology in the Classroom

Standards Met

Standard 1, Objective 3, parts A and B

Standard 1 Objective 2

Students will learn to express compositions, feelings, as well as language, using different forms of media and art.

“Kid Pix” Lesson Plan

Lesson Objective:

Using Kid Pix, students will create a picture that relates to the messages they composed in the prior lesson.

✤This lesson plan actually serves as an extension to an earlier lesson plan that I presented.

✤Prior to this activity, I taught the students to write a basic message, and had them write messages to their parents, guardians, or extended family members.

Some Background

Before we lined up to go to the computer lab, and after each student finished his/her message, I explained to them that rather than logging in to Starfall or Little Fingers, (the two educational software programs they usually use during computer lab time), instead they were to log into Kid Pix.

I explained that for the duration of computer lab time, they were to use Kid Pix to create a picture of whatever they wrote about. For example, if someone mentioned the recent class party in his/her message, I would suggest that he/she draw a picture of the party or something he/she did at the party.

The Plan

“The Plan” Continued...

I also reminded the students to work especially hard on these projects because they will be given the opportunity to present their final work to both their classmates, and their parents or guardians.

As soon as we got to the computer lab, the students took their places at an available

computer and immediately began their art projects.

Afterwards...

After our 25 minutes of computer lab time expired, the class walked back to the classroom. I on the other hand, stayed behind so that I could print out every students’ final artwork.

Once I finished printing the colored copies, I rejoined the class.

Setting Up / Modeling

As I entered the classroom, I immediately set up the flex camera and the projector.

Once the class settled into their seats, I told them that when I call each of their names, they are welcome, if they so choose, to come up to the front of the class to display and explain their pictures while using the flex camera.

I briefly modeled what to do, and gave possible prompts for students to work with during their presentations, like: “Why did you choose those colors?” or “Who are the people in your picture?”

Student Presentations

I was excited when about 85% of the class chose to come up to display and explain their pictures to the rest of their peers. Their presentations were surprisingly insightful and helped me to learn more about their interests and home life.

Things that Went Well

The students were actively engaged for the duration of the lesson.

It was age-level appropriate.

It motivated students to work hard and do well.

The opportunity to present made students feel of worth.

It provided students with the opportunity to develop their creative skills.

Things that Didn’t Go Well

The entire lesson, including the instruction, time in the computer lab, and the actual presentations, went far longer than planned.

There was not enough time to allow students to ask each presenter multiple questions about his/her picture.

As a result...

Allot more time for the presentations

Model how to use Kid Pix to fulfill the requirements of the task--In other words, display a picture I created to help students gain an idea of what they are to do

Principles of Effective Technology Integration

My lesson definitely implements the first principle because the technology was in the hands of the students. Each student worked on his/her own computer when making their pictures. Furthermore, each student was able to use the flex camera to make their presentations.

My lesson also implements the second principle because the computers, Kid Pix, and the flex camera were crucial components of the lesson. These technologies were not additions, but rather served as the core of the lesson.

The lesson plan also adheres to the third principle because the technology served as the means by which students could meet the lesson objective. Thus, the technology usage was relevant and necessary.

Lastly, this lesson plan definitely incorporates the fourth, and final principle because this lesson would not be possible without the technology. Students would not be able to have drawn those things they were able to include in their Kid Pix projects, and furthermore, they would not be able to effectively present their pictures to the whole class had it not been for the flex camera.

The End!