Lesson Plan: I began my journey this semester by creating a lesson plan in which I mapped the objectives that I wanted to present to my students; this particular lesson plan covers comma usage. I chose Microsoft Word to create this document because its features met my needs. I was able to complete my lesson plan and add a touch of creativity by applying a border to what would otherwise be a plain document. I do plan objectives for my current classes, but I have never used a systematic approach to planning. For my future classes I am going to integrate a D-P-A system for creating lesson plans for my classes. I like the structure that it provides: the design phase, the plan stage, and the act stage. After I complete my semester of lesson plans, I will create a course calendar for students to follow. I plan to share my course calendar and lesson plans with my students so that they know exactly what needs to be accomplished for each topic I cover and exactly what I will expect from them.
Technology Background Survey: I created a survey using Google Forms from my Google Drive. This was my first experience using Google Drive to create documents. I like the idea of creating documents and surveys from Google Drive because all of my students have Gmail; therefore, they can all have access to course documents. A technology survey will be implemented into my online classes next semester. Online classes are a convenient way for students to receive an education. Many times online classes are promoted with comments such as “work at your own pace” or “complete a degree without leaving your home,” making it sound easy and stress free. Often times I encounter students who like the idea of online classes but don’t have the necessary technological skills that are needed to complete an online class. A technology survey will provide me with this valuable information. For those students who are not comfortable with technology, a face-to-face meeting at the beginning of the semester may be necessary for these students to be able to successfully complete the course.
Google Word and Google Presentation: These two documents were created in Google Drive as well. Again, I like the fact that students are not required to have Microsoft Office to access course materials because sometimes even at a discount, Microsoft Office can be a financial burden for them. The document and presentation offer me two different ways to deliver my course material. I was able to use images and videos in these files. Because all students have different learning styles, it is important for me to disseminate my material using different formats so that I can reach all of these learning styles.
Grade Book: My first set of assignments ended with a grade book that was created using Google Sheets. I liked using Google to create this document but also find that Microsoft Excel works great too. I keep up with my students’ grades using our online learning platform for hybrid and online classes. However, I like to keep backups of students’ grades and like the fact that I can create graphs which help me visually understand how my students are performing. I can create a chart for a particular assignment or create a chart for a particular student. Seeing this information in a graphic is helpful because I can determine where students’ strengths and weaknesses lie and adjust my lectures accordingly if I feel my objectives are not being met.
In addition to utilizing productivity software to meet the needs of my students, I also use classroom management software which provides me with access to students’ personal contact information, transcripts, and academic information such as major and program advisors.
Lesson Plan
Technology Questionnaire
Google Doc
Google Presentation
Grade Book