Rachel Demarais

Return to: ETAP 623 Spring 2017 | Rachel Demarais Mini-Course

About Me

Originally I am from Moriah, New York which is located in the Adirondacks! I currently live in Guilderland, N.Y. where I am a full time nanny for one baby. Previously, I was a nanny for 6 children all under the ages of 7. I completed my Undergrad studies in December 2015 at the College of Saint Rose with a B.S. in Childhood/Special Education. Upon completion of my studies at Saint Rose, I chose to enroll in the CDIT (Curriculum Development and Instructional TEchnology) Masters program at SUNY Albany where I am currently in my last semester!

My Topic/Purpose

This mini-course will help Elementary teachers understand how to integrate engaging ELA activities into their classrooms using the SMART Board. A classroom without technology can often be rather boring, therefore, understanding how the applications associated with the SMART Board can benefit student learning is what every Elementary teacher needs to know!

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this course learners will be able to...

• Describe the SMART Board's functions and operations

• Identify when to use a Smart Board for instruction

• Create engaging activities for the SMART Board, specifically ELA related content

Needs Assessment

Instructional Problem

It is no surprise that the use of technology and interactive activities are rapidly growing within the classroom. SMART Boards are at a high demand and sadly, many elementary classrooms are lacking this type of interactive board. Larson and Lockee (2014) state that, “…technology should always be used to meet a specific instructional need” (pg. 184). All too often, teachers (especially veteran teachers) with these boards aren’t aware of the possibilities and resources available to them at their fingertips to help their students succeed. However, teachers are always looking for a quicker, easier, more effective way to engage their students. Therefore, with this said, there are a countless number of reasons why SMART Boards and SMART technology can increase student test scores, success in the classroom, social skills, and so much more. A few examples are listed below.

SMART Boards can:

• Help students engage on a deeper level
• Allow students to focus on a given activity
• Increase participation of students with disabilities
• Provide differentiation of instruction for those with learning needs
• Be used as a tool for note-taking. Students can come and write important points on the board
• Help brainstorm ideas in the classroom. Teachers can also put together images, diagrams or videos
• Allow students to easily play educational games
• Produce all forms of media– videos, graphs, maps, diagrams, games, photos, graphics, etc.

Analysis of the Learner and Context

What is to be Learned

On their own, teachers will learn how to create interactive ELA lessons and activities, operate and manage the SMART Board’s functions and tools necessary for instruction, and save student’s work as well as screenshotting important information or data from the internet. Teachers will also learn how to make the text and background on the Smart Board any color they would like. According to Concordia University, “…they should take advantage of the brain’s natural tendencies towards memorization. The brain remembers more efficiently with blue or green backgrounds and white or yellow text. The screen does not have to stay this way, but a teacher can certainly use it during lessons where memorization is important.” (2013).

The Learners

The learners of this mini-course are elementary school teachers focusing on the teaching and instruction of ELA lessons. These learners will know what a SMART board is, be familiar with it, and will have used one a few times, but, might not be as experienced or familiar with all its capabilities, functions, and activities as they would like to be. At the end of this course, these teachers will have a solid grasp on such areas.

Instructional Context

This course will be provided fully online for elementary teachers. Teachers should have access to some type of SMART technology (e.g., SMART notebook, SMART board) and the internet. To retain the most information and engage in all activities, these technologies are needed.

Exploring the Instructional Problem and Solution

Learners will explore some of the many possibilities SMART technology has to offer. Learners will complete the given modules, including all activities, that will allow them to deepen their understanding on the given content.

Goals of this Mini-Course

It’s important for learners to understand the goals of the course. The first goal will help learners understand how SMART technology can assist them in ELA lesson planning. Next, teachers will know how to screenshot important information used for lessons, activities, etc. Last, teachers will be able to manage and locate the tools and functions needed to create an ELA lesson through the use of various text and background and interactive functions.

Performance Objectives

Often, assessment strategies and learning objectives can be the most difficult part about crafting a lesson or unit. Both formative and summative assessments are crucial in student’s learning and teachers must be aware of each student’s needs for academic progress to be made. These assessment strategies will ensure that learners (elementary teachers):

• Understand how to create interactive ELA lessons and activities

• Operate and manage the SMART Board’s functions and tools necessary for instruction

• Have an understanding on how to save student’s work, so it can later be reviewed

• Know how to screenshot important information or data from the internet

Task Analysis

Unit 1:

· Locate and demonstrate how to use tools to create ELA lessons

· Understand how to change backgrounds and layouts for the lessons

· Navigate through the SMART Board’s functions and features with ease

Unit 2:

· Screenshot important documents, activities, information used to create ELA lessons

· Create a lesson using the SMART Notebook’ LAB

Unit 3:

· Allow students to submit work through their phones

· Gauge student understanding using SMART amp

Curriculum Map

References and Resources

Concordia University. (2013, February 13). Teacher’s Guide: How to Use a Smart Board in the Classroom. Retrieved from http://education.cu-portland.edu/blog/educator-tips/teacher-s-guide-how-to-use-a-smartboard-in-the-classroom/

Larson, M. B., & Lockee, B. B. (2014). Streamlined ID: A Practical Guide to Instructional Design. New York: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.