281 Tools and the Curriculum
Forum: Introduction to Graphic Organizers and Inspiration Software
02/22/09 due 02/28/09
Introduction
We read and discussed Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences in the 280 class. During the 250 class you will read and discuss how Eisner interprets Gardner's ideas. In this class, EDTE 281, we will learn about Advance Organizers as they are described by Ausubel.
An Advance Organizer provides a method to reach students through alternative forms of instruction. (Graphic Organizers are one type of an Advanced Organizer.) This forum introduces graphic organizers and their use as a teaching strategy. Inspiration is a software tool that enables teachers and students to create their own graphic organizers. Graphic Organizers can be created using software programs other than Inspiration, however, we chose Inspiration because it makes the process of creating organizers easy, efficient, and fun for both teachers and students. It also provides the ability to use graphics, sound, video, color and shape to aid in the communication of information and ideas. As with many of the tools in iMET, we would like you to keep an open mind and try new things. You will not be expected to use Inspiration after the 281 course unless you choose to do so.
Assignment
Read the entire assignment instructions before beginning. Please start this assignment promptly and be sure to leave several days to get through the process, just in case you need technical assistance.
[*Note: the product created for this assignment is required for the Thursday 3/5/09 Tapped In assignment (see below).]
1. Read the following article:
Ivie, S. D. (1998). Ausubel's Learning Theory: An Approach To Teaching Higher Order Thinking Skills. (educational psychologist David Paul Ausubel), 82(1), 35(31).
[optional reading: Models of Teaching (7th edition) Chapter 9 Advance Organizers]
If you have a different edition, look for the Chapter on Advance Organizers
2. Look over the following resources:
Explore one of two of the examples on this page.
[Note: These articles are provided by Inspiration Software, Inc. and are intertwined with their marketing materials. We do not attempt to promote Inspiration over other software programs however, once you get past the marketing, the examples provided are useful and the research summary can lead to further inquiry. Take some time to explore the Inspiration site. There you will find many examples of organizers for different grade levels, subject matters, and lessons.]
3. Download and Install:
A free 30-day trial version of Inspiration (6-adult) or Kidspiration (K-5)
Once you download and install the software you will have access to the user manual and getting started guide. When you launch the software you will see a welcome screen. From here click on "Learn to Use". In the next window click 'Documentation" Then you can chose the documentation of your choice. Feel free to download any of the other programs offered by this company as well.
4. Watch:
The Inspiration Quick Tour movie or Kidspiration Quick Tour movie
[Note: InspireData and Webspiration are respectively, fairly new and really new products from Inspiration. We will not use them in this assignment but if you are interested (inspired...) you may wish to explore either or both of them further.]
5. Create:
Use Inspiration's Diagram mode to create a basic graphic organizer. The organizer should be something that can be incorporated into a lesson or training that you could use in your class or workplace.
6. Reflect:
Post your thoughts regarding the readings, software, and the use of graphic organizers for teaching and learning to the forum.
Respond to two peer's posts.
Due 02/28/09
Link to forum
*Thursday 03/05/09 is a Tapped In session
during which you will discuss and share the graphic organizer you created with your group members.
Email
Email your graphic organizer to your tapped in group facilitator by 03/04/09.
Tapped In Facilitators
Please upload your group's inspiration files to your Tapped In office prior to 03/05/09.
Click here for uploading Instructions
Groups and Roles:
- Facilitator: keeps the group on the topic, and helps to ensure that all member have a chance to be a part of the discussion. Responsible for uploading the group's inspiration files to their tapped in office before the 03/05/09 session.
- Timekeeper: must keep the group on time and aids the facilitator in ensuring that all members have a chance to take part in the discussion.
- Recorder: hosts the meeting in their Tapped In office, takes notes during the discussion and prepares the summary.
- Checker: makes sure that all group members understand the concepts and the group's conclusions.
Group 1
Brian (facilitator)
Ana (timekeeper)
Randall (recorder)
Carl (checker)
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Group 2
Camellia (facilitator)
Pat (timekeeper)
Sean (recorder)
David (checker)
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Group 3
Susan (facilitator)
Danny (timekeeper)
Adriane (recorder)
Rochelle (checker)
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Group 4
Troy (facilitator)
Mark (timekeeper)
Cindy (recorder)
Leslie (checker)
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Group 5
Trina (facilitator)
Tom (timekeeper)
Shauna (recorder)
Mela (checker)
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Group 6
Sarah (facilitator)
Derek (timekeeper)
Amy (recorder)
Elliot (checker) |
Tapped In Rubric
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Schedule