Project Proposal 1

Name: Angela Benedict

Project Title: Proposal 1 ~ Using Technology

Project Focus: Using Technology (Research to Practice)

Project Description:
For this project I will modify an existing powerpoint that further integrates the many uses of Power Point (including adding video clips, audio clips, and images) for one of my Earth Science Special Education classes (SDC level – Special Day Class). These powerpoints will be shared with other science teachers at my site and other science/special education teachers in the district. I feel strongly that I need to continue to modify and re-work lessons I have created in the past to better meet the needs of my students based on their ability levels. I chose to do this project because it is most applicable to me in my current teaching assignment as well as a requirement for this course.
I am hoping this project will increase my comfort level in using more than just Power Point presentations to share content area information with my students. In addition I am hoping it can become a shared resource for Earth Science teachers in my district as well as a guideline for how to appropriately select and use technology with special needs students.

Project Artifacts:

I will post the powerpoints I used this year (during the unit on Astronomy) for use with my SDC Earth Science class. I will then update and modify these powerpoints to include more features of powerpoint I have not used much in the past. The updated PowerPoint presentations will include movie and sound clips, images, and animation.
APA reference list of select articles that confirm the success of technology integration in lesson delivery particularly for special needs students.
Lessons that align with the Power Point presentations will be delivered through the use of various technology; primarily the use of Power Point and will include features that are clearly supported by research.
The previous and updated presentations will be posted on my blog as well as links to the supporting web pages. A suggested time line will be added as a suggestion for teachers to follow when implementing these lessons. The updated resources, Power Points, and corresponding links will be evidence of the tasks that were completed in preparation for the unit.


Project Timeline:
I hope to have this project completed by Feb 16th, 2009

1/28 Started project
2/2 Have rough draft of reference list / Begin modifying unit on Solar System
2/7 Post reference list to blog / Continue work on unit plan
2/10 Have 2/3 of unit plan updated and calendar of suggested activities complete
2/14 Complete final adjustments/modifications to unit plan / Post to blog
2/16 Project completed and posted
3/8 Final deadline (if for any reason I am unable to complete project by my deadline)