Cross-Curricular Integrating Technology/Media Studies

Area(s) of Focus: technology
Division(s): Primary, Junior
Level(s): Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4
Abstract:

Cross-curricular language/science and social studies projects using technology.

This year, the librarian decided to include language (media literacy) into the science and social studies by creating projects (through research and inquiry) using Animoto. The other project was to create public service announcements with the Grade six students using Animoto. Computers were needed and all the money received by OTF went to purchase computers and create mini-labs in each participating classroom in order for students to be able to access information and create projects. Ministry expectations from language, science and social studies were met using this project.

Team Members

  • Darren Ball

    TDSB

  • Mari Snow

    TDSB

  • Brian Bigioni

    TDSB

  • Alan Robertson

    TDSB

Professional Learning Goals

  • Collaborating with colleagues in order to help teach split grades
  • Moderating marking with teachers
  • Sharing technology expertise using computers
  • Finding creative ways to meet ministry expectations and create challenging and rich tasks for students
  • Reflection and encouragement to meet the different academic needs of children and continue to grow as a professional

 

Activities and Resources

  • Having the computers made a positive change in relationship to access of information and planning in a large and smaller groups
  • Teaching each other using our skills and expertise related to technology and curriculum
  • Using science, social studies and language websites to enhance learning for teachers and students

Unexpected Challenges

TDSB was not prepared for primary students to handle the new computers available in the board (primary emails, etc. ) so we had a delay.

Enhancing Student Learning and Development

  • Students were more collaborative when using Google Docs
  • Time management improved
  • Technology skills improved
  • Meeting ministry expectations were more efficient

 

Sharing

  • Created a stem/sharing for whole school along with principals, superintendents and trustees
  • Projects were shared with parents
  • Teachers met as a large group and smaller groups
  • Students shared projects and teachers used descriptive feedback to move the students to different achievement levels

Project Evaluation

Having access to technology made a world of difference for the teachers and students. We met our goals as the librarian created the cross-curricular approach at the beginning of the year and the challenge was the lack of technology available in the classroom for the children to follow up and complete projects. Meeting the different academic levels of all children using technology was easier with access to technology. I would have applied for the TLC at the end of the school  year and started the project from the beginning of the school year to allow for more time for any challenges and be able to be more effective.

Resources Used

Animoto (TDSB Virtual Library)

Pebble GO (TDSB Virtual Library)

Ontario Ministry of Education documents for expectations and assessment and evaluation

Internet (PSA) – Media sites