InTyme: Feel the Power(Point)

Feel the Power(Point) is a multimedia unit created by Gayle Flengte, a fourth grade teacher at Perryville Elementary School in Perryville, Missouri. I viewed this lesson as it fell under the presearch option of Information Processing skills, of which I teach. I was impressed with all the work she put into her activities with the students. Ms. Flengte had them research a state and incorporate their findings into PowerPoint. Her main focus was on the technology skills of learning the PowerPoint program, and incorporated standards from many curricular areas along with her unit. She started by giving them a rubric, which was an excellent idea, as it let the students know right away what requirements were to be met. The information presented in the videos went through every aspect of what an integrated lesson plan looks and feels like. There were standards met in Social Studies, English Language Arts, and National Technology Standards. Teacher Standards were also mentioned and told the viewer which ones were met. Ms. Flengte demonstrated her knowledge of technology, student characteristics, and curriculum as she led her students through the activity. Teacher behavior was also assessed through her classroom management style. I noticed the Missouri standards have different terminology, and research skills fell under the English/Language Arts curricular area, instead of the Technology and Information Standards we have in Wisconsin. If I were to use this lesson, I'd also incorporate discussions involving plagiarism, teach Boolean Internet searching skills, as well as why and how to cite sources. I noticed those items were missing throughout her lessons. I liked her idea of students creating PowerPoint presentations as a motivator in learning the material. This lesson could be adapted at the third grade level, as they study the various states and their symbols. It could be adapted at the fourth grade level, studying Wisconsin, and focusing on the immigrant research students are already doing. I found this lesson very motivating and useful! I was amazed at the wealth of information given in the materials presented, complete with previewing and post viewing questions at every standard level presented within the lesson.