Technology

 Every Thursday afternoon we are lucky enough to spend time with Mrs. Hayes learning about and using technology. Currently, we are using technology in our geography unit as we learn about mapping and our community. We are using google earth to help us answer the following Essential Questions:

• What is community?
• Where are we in the world?
• What kind of information can we get from a map?

After many in-class activities, this integrated unit has led us to an activity using google earth. First, we watched with amazement as Mrs. Couture and Mrs. Hayes typed in different addresses in South Hero and we "flew" there on the big screen. Then students were each given a net book to type their own addresses!

 Some goals and standards for this unit include the following:

Students interpret geography and solve geographic problems by . . .

• Verbalizing their names and addresses
• Recognizing that neighborhood spaces are defined by boundaries, yard, playground, etc
• Describing or identifying a map or globe
• Creating a simple map showing the student in relation to some other meaningful place

Creativity & Innovation - Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. They . . .

•  apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes
• create original works as a means of personal or group expression

Communication and Collaboration - Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual leaning and contribute to the learning of others. Students . . .

• interact, collaborate and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media
• contribute to project teams to produce original works or solve problems

Digital Citizenship - Students understand human, cultural, and social issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior.

Students . . . .

• Advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology
• Exhibits positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity.

In the next few weeks we will continue to work on our google earth tour of South Hero and where we each live. We will also use Kidspriation to create a map of our neighborhoods with important land marks.