This is what I shared with your parents during Back-to-School Night...
Welcome to Technology
Mrs. Mary Beth Morell
5th and 6th graders will meet with me during one 40-minute period each week. Our studies this year will focus on the following areas:
Keyboarding, Google Drive and Blogging
We will be devoting much of the first quarter to these basic skills. The blogs will be through KidBlog, and not viewable to the public.
Second and Third Quarters – Research and Presentation Skills
During the second and third quarters, we will work on a variety of skills related to Internet searching and researching. I will introduce the students to effective searching strategies, how to identify a reputable website, how to organize research, and how to cite a source properly using an online citation maker. Once the research is complete, we will use a variety of presentation tools, such as PowerPoint, Prezi, and iMovie.. I hope to work closely with the classroom teachers so that most projects complement the 5th and 6th grade core curriculum, but sometimes we touch upon current events or geography in our projects.
Fourth Quarter – Final Project
During the fourth quarter, the students will complete a final project using many of the skills used throughout the year. Last year, each 6th grader chose a National Park. They completed comprehensive research, including a tour of the park using GoogleEarth, compiled a file of photos, then created an online poster of the Park using Glogster. Citing sources was an important part of the project.
Digital Citizenship
Throughout the year, I will be doing mini-lessons on Digital Citizenship, using the curriculum from CommonSense Media. Topics will include Privacy and Digital Footprints, Online Safety and Security, Connected Culture and Respecting Creative Work. This is a new program to Holy Trinity this year, and I look forward to exploring these topics with the students. Please consider subscribing to Common Sense Media on commonsensemedia.org to help you navigate the constantly evolving world of social media with your child.
The Blog
Every week, I will provide updates on the 5th and 6th Grade Technology Blogs – my answer to a teacher homework page. Students will be able to access any links or resources I have posted, and parents will be able to see what we are doing in technology class. My contact information will be there as well. The link to the blogs can be found on my homework page: http://www.htsdc.org/faculty-homework-pages/morell/
Internet Resources
On the blog, I will maintain a list of Internet resources for research, and for learning fun.
Scantron Testing – Scantron testing will take place during technology class three times a year – September, February and May. Each round takes three weeks of class time.
Questions, Comments or Suggestions? Reach me on mbmorell@htsdc.org
