Module+1

=Teaching with Projects=

Activitiy 1: Getting Started
Our goal for you is to have a Unit Portfolio you can implement in your classroom--a unit that allows you to raise the level of excellence in your classroom and meet important learning objectives and 21st century skills. (see 21st Century Skills on Module 1.02) As you read the course overview on Module 1.03--1.05, you may be thinking to yourself, "How will I possibly have time to implement all this into my already busy curriculum?"
 * Your Role as Curriculum Designer**

Video
Take a moment and enjoy watching the youngest of students get project-based. [|George Lucus Foundation Video]

Even though you may be using a set curriculum, you make decisions about how the curriculum is implemented in your classroom, such as how to structure activities and respond to students' questions and ideas. The decisions you make impact the curriculum that your students experience. It may be that you will want to implement these strategies in stages, allowing time for you and your students to acclimate to a student-centered, project-based classroom.

**Getting Organized**
You may find it helpful to __create a set of folders__ to organize your work as you progress through these modules. Module 1.07 provides a sample file management system that will assist you. If you need a refresher on how to make a system of folders, you may consult the Help Guide on the Resource CD-ROM that accompanies your manual. This Help Guide is also available online at [|http://www.intel.com/education/tools.] Feel free to share the online version with your students and/or fellow teachers. The Help Guide provides step-by-step tutorials for Microsoft Office products as well as other technology skill areas.

Another useful organization tool is the __unit plan template__. This template can be accessed from the Resource CD-ROM or downloaded from this wiki page by clicking on the following link: You should __download this file and save a copy in your Unit Plan folder__. A completed unit plan will be part of your showcase at the end of this online course. You should take a moment to familiarize yourself with this document and all its sections. Add the author information and save your work.

Activities 2 and 3: Examining Good Instructional Design
Teaching well--and engaging students in learning--requires planning and thoughtful unit design. Read about the research behind effective units and the steps involved in creating a unit on Module 1.13--1.17. Additionally, you will want to look over the Portfolio Rubric on Module 1.18--1.19. Pay particular attention to the Excellent (4) column and refer back to this assessment as you progress through your unit creation.
 * Examining Good Instructional Design**

Consider incorporating some of the elements of great projects listed on Module 1.20--1.21. Then, use the checklist on Module 1.20 to analyze the sample unit portfolios found on the [|Intel Web site] and on the Resource CD-ROM. (See Module 1.21) Afterward, participate in the following discussion.
 * Characteristics of Great Projects**

=**Discussion Topic**= //Which sample unit portfolio has the most potential for replication in your classroom? After analysis of the sample unit portfolios online and on your Essentials Resource CD-ROM, which unit portfolio has the greatest potential for replication in __your__ classroom. When posting, please list the location and name of the sample unit portfolio and be specific about the features that you would like to implement.//

Here's How You Participate in the Discussion
Step 3: Add Your Comments in the Text Window. Step 4: Please add Comments to at least two Classmates' posts.**
 * //Step 1: Click on the "Discussion" tab at the top of this page.//**
 * Step 2: Type Your Name in the Discussion Title.

Activites 4 and 5: Creating a Publication
In this activity, you are going to produce a publication that will inform and persuade how and why projects should be used in your classroom. If you are to be a true curriculum designer, you will have to convince others that change is warranted. You will want to select a specific audience such as students, parents, or administration. **Why is this an important piece?** Change invokes fear, and whenever you make changes in the way you run your classroom, you will encounter resistance. Students may experience anxiety because they don't understand exactly what to do or what is going to be expected of them. Parents may not appreicate the value of collaboration and team work as their children discuss their project work at home. You may also need the help of administrators as you seek additional resources and support as you gradually implement these new strategies. You will want to check out the sample publications before you begin planning your own. (See Module 1.23--1.28)
 * Persuade an Audience of the Value of Projects**


 * Assignment:** //We will be uploading and sharing these publications in our next Module.//

Activity 6: Reflecting on My Learning
In case you have been living in a cave for the past couple years, blogs are essentially online journals. Recently, blogs have evolved into personal Web pages where authors can add images, post videos, and carry on threaded discussions. For our purposes, the blog will be your opportunity to reflect on what you have learned as we progress through the modules. We want this to be a useful activity for you so you should focus on what you learned as you implement new skills and strategies in your classroom. For example, everyone will enjoy reading about how you introduce a new topic using a curriculum-framing question and how your students responded. You may create your blog on whatever service you prefer. I have had great success with Blogger and Edublogs but there are alot of new ones out there too. I will add a section to the Web Sites page where you can explore your options. I will also add a page to this wiki where you can add a link to your blog for easy access. Links to these pages are below. It goes without saying that I will be reading your blogs, but that isn't the main purpose. You will get a much more genuine feeling of community if you take the time to read and comment on the experiences of your online classmates. I think you will find this the most enjoyable aspect of the entire experience. Web Sites Teachers Blogs
 * Blogging My Journey**

Summary of Tasks for Module 1
⁹ Make a system of folders and save the unit template in the appropriate folder ⁹ Analyze sample unit portfolios and participate in Discussion (Discussion tab at top of wiki page) ⁹ Create a publication to inform and persuade an audience of your choice. Share next Module. ⁹ Create a blog and add the link to the Teachers' Blogs page on this wiki. Reflect on what you have learned and implementation experiences.