Matthew Tyne’s Professional Development Inquiry Project

1. Matthew Tyne’s Professional Development Inquiry Project How can I use computer technology in the classroom to effectively teach and assess grade five social studies and critical thinking skills?

2. Introduction • Before long there will be computers or smart boards in every classroom in the country • Students are more exposed to technology than ever before in their daily lives. Younger kids especially are excited to use computers, tablets, or smart boards in the classroom • Technology and media shape the way we live, especially the young • The more technology is used in the classroom, the more effective it will become.

3. Personal History “You could only carry five pounds back” I always wondered what happened to the elves that I caught… Treasure Mountain, Midnight Rescue, Outnumbered – K-Gr3 -Problem solving, word problems, reading, critical thinking, Math problem solving: addition, subtraction, multiplication, digits, geometry, logic, elf catching, robot zapping, grammar The Oregon Trail – K-current - Geography, math, logic, medical terms, reading, critical thinking, problem solving, buffalo shooting (historically accurate!) Age of Empires, Empire Earth, Age of Mythology – Gr4-current - History, historical figures (Joan of Arc, Genghis Khan, Charlemagne, King Richard, Napoleon and more), mythology (Greek, Norse, Egyptian), warfare tactics of various historical factions, historical vocabulary, strategy Civilization – Grade 7-current - History, historical figures, mythology, science, history of technology, humanities, philosophy, religion, politics, strategy, diplomacy, logic And SO MUCH MORE Here I learned that pike men beat horsemen, trebuchets beat castles, British longbows all around kick-ass, and the word Cavalier. In grade 4. Where would we be without Bronze Working? In the stone age.

4. What students want* • Interactive technology • Teacher mentors • Innovation • Choice • Real-world application and relevancy * http://www.eschoolnews.com/2011/07/28/five-things-students-say-they-want-from-education/3/

5. What students need • Collaboration and the discussion of ideas, and possible solutions • Project-based learning, designed around real world contexts • Connecting with other students around the world on topics of study • Immersing students in a learning experience that allows them to grapple with a problem, • Problem solving skills

6. Gaming and Learning • Games provide many opportunities for: • Teamwork, Social Interaction, diplomacy • Critical Thinking • Problem solving • Strategy and logic • Resource Management • History, politics, reading, math, science,

7. Teaching Social Studies with Computers • Computer and Smartboard Games about history, geography, politics, resource management can easily be provided. Instructions to use / install them can be part of IT class • Online resources, worksheets, lesson plans • Email pen-pals • Interactive learning (Like games, more online-learning) • Online presentations (Glogster, Presi, 280slides) • Government regulated websites and historical databases

8. Other Technology in the Classroom • Handheld tablet devices • Tons of Applications and useful teaching tools • Smartboards • Video Projectors • Televisions

9. Assessment • The clicker • Rubric generators • e-Portfolios • Electronic Presentations • Reflections, Journals • High Scores in games

10. Summary • Children want technology • Students can benefit from technology, and technology from students • Games and websites can offer a lot to students in relation to Socials and more • Assessment can be imbedded into teaching with technology in many ways