Transformation
By using the idea of backward design, I was able to create this project by keeping the end in mind first. One of the problems that I have encountered in my classroom when using technology is that my students want to click on what they see first. This happens when they type a topic into the search bar of Google. From my observations, my students want to click on the first link without stopping to examine the other links below. This becomes a problem as most times, the first link from a Google search is often an ad, which fails to provide any relevant information. Through this project, and with the use of Chromebooks, I would like my students to be able to successfully conduct research using the Internet, which means being able to navigate through a Google search into the most relevant links and information. As a result of this project, my students would gain digital literacy skills that are needed for 21st century learning, while also strengthening their ability to write for an actual audience and think through information that is presented on the Internet. In addition, this project meets the needs of both reading and writing Common Core State Standards. The main standards that this project addresses are:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.8 Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; take notes and categorize information, and provide a list of sources.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.7 Interpret information presented visually, orally, or quantitatively (e.g., in charts, graphs, diagrams, time lines, animations, or interactive elements on Web pages) and explain how the information contributes to an understanding of the text in which it appears.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.2 Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported by key details; summarize the text.