Exploring Standards Based Lesson Plans

Paragraph 1: Describe the grade and subject area for the lesson. What will students be expected to do in the lesson?   The subject area is Social Studies, Economics and Financial Literacy.  This lesson is targeted to 10^th grade students.  Students will learn the fundamentals that guide individuals about choices and how to use limited resources to satisfy their wants.  The fundamentals start with understanding what financial planning is and how to implement the basics into a personal plan.  Manage financial resources in order to establish a foundation for financial security.   

Paragraph 2: What are the Common Core standards/required standards this lesson is designed to meet? Discuss how the different activities in the lesson address the standards.

This lesson was found in the orc.org website; however, the lesson is from the North Carolina Education Consortium.  This lesson was found in the Ohio Resource Center (www.orc.og) Consortium page because North Carolina and Ohio share common core standards (Race To The Top).  The required standards for this lesson include:

NC Essential Standards for Civics & Economics (to be implemented in the 2012-2013 school year):

· CE.PFL.1.2- Explain how fiscally responsible individuals create and manage a personal budget that is inclusive of income, taxes, gross and net pay, giving, fixed and variable expenses and retirement

· CE.PFL.1.5- Analyze how fiscally responsible individuals save and invest to meet financial goals

(Source: http://civics.sites.unc.edu/files/2012/05/PersonalFinancialLiteracyINTRO10.pdf)

Students will incorporate various activities from the lesson.  For instance, establish financial plan: financial goals, long term & short term; discover the stages of decision making; and students will maintain a spending log for two weeks.  These activities will help students prioritize their income and discern how to distribute their income.  The spending log will help students understand how they currently use their money.  Once they understand their spending pattern, they will understand how to prioritize their spending and set goals.  Ultimately, students will gain the knowledge that lead to long term financial success.

Paragraph 3: discuss how you would implement this lesson in your classroom. What parts would you anticipate would pose a problem? What parts would challenge your students?

The lesson plan is very direct.  I believe in hands-on, experiential activities and the first activity is a “True or False” game.  Students are involved throughout the lesson, and are engaged throughout.  The only challenge I anticipate is that students may forget to record their spending; therefore, I will challenge them to create a plan using their technology device rather than relying on the paper.

http://civics.sites.unc.edu/files/2012/05/PersonalFinancialLiteracyINTRO10.pdf

Khan/Koller Review

Khan Academy Review:   My first impression of Khan Academy’s website it was interesting to see the subjects.  I personally am challenged by tutorials.  I actually hate them.  I personally need human contact.  I find answers through conversation and listening to others.   Having said that about myself, I wonder how effective this method would be for persons with disabilities.  I would be curious about student responses from those that have ADD, ADHD, or some form of a learning disability.  While I could imagine and encourage students to use the site, I would also be concerned about those that have concentration and/or comprehension challenges.  This website could also be considered a blessing for parents that are challenged in the STEM subjects.

I spent a lot of money and hours for my daughter to receive tutoring.  There were many early mornings (before school) and late nights (evenings with the tutor) waiting for my daughter’s tutoring sessions to be over.  I would encourage my students to try the website to see if it is something they could benefit from.  It is a great opportunity for teachers to refer to a resource that could be a tremendous help.  I believe that not only could the child learn but what a confidence and self-esteem builder.   This site is also a great tool for college students, non-traditional students, teachers, and parents.

Do you believe that Salman Khan is right when he says that in the future, we will rely more on "credentialing" through the use of online courses? Do you think this style of education makes learning more accessible for more students? If so, why? If not, Why?  I believe that “credentialing” through the use of online courses is a reality.  I believe that to be true because schools currently use online courses for students to make-up course.  For instance if a student fails a math class; he or she will be able to take the same class online to make-up the loss credits.  In this same context, there are many online schools that people can gain anything from a credential to a PhD.  These courses have grown tremendously in their popularity.  It is cost effective and allows most people to approach the online learning during their own time and comfort.

*****************************************************************************

My impression of Coursera:  I had never heard about Coursera previous to this course.  I personally ignore online courses – although I believe that it is the wave of the future.  These courses are ideal and brings credibility to this process because of the global partners.  Many people would be impressed by someone that has graduated or taken courses from University of London, University of Chicago, Duke, Stanford, Princeton, National University of Singapore, and the University of Tokyo to name a few of the prestigious institutions.  As a result of learning about this “opportunity,” I have signed up for a class of interest.

·         When you explore the coursera course offerings, what course looks most interesting to you?  There are two course offerings that I found to be interesting.  The first is Learning How to Learn, offered by University of California; and the second is Think Again: How to Reason and Argue, offered by Duke.  I’m not sure if Professor Brick did this on purpose BUT after investigating, I signed up for the class Learning How to Learn!  I am very opinionated about online courses (hate them) but I want to give this one a chance.  While taking classes at Columbus State Community College I was introduced to early childhood cognitive development, and I fell in love with this subject of the mind and how it works.  HEY - YOU TRICKED ME PROFESSOR BREE!!  I feel that it is responsible for me to try out these tools and speak from my personal experience. 

·         Does Columbus State accept Coursera transfer credits? According to Coursera’s it is up each institution as to whether or not they will accept college credit for the courses taken.  I could not find on CSCC’s website if this was something that they do.  I noticed their articulation agreements and do realize that the counselors will look at transcripts to decide if it fits within the program to grant credit.

·         Do Coursera courses appear to be more challenging or more interesting thank those you've experienced before? If yes, why? If not, why? Either way, could your opinion have something to do with WHO is teaching the Coursera courses?  I personally do not like online courses because I am very social.  I enjoy hearing the comments of others (I learn more by hearing rather than viewing blogs).  If I have questions about certain areas I would rather ask a person and have dialog – not blogging my peers for advice.  I would find myself multi-tasking (television on, music on, cooking, eating, texting) rather than focusing on the screen – regardless.  One of the best things about online learning is that it is up to you and your schedule.  I am always cramming stuff into my schedule and online courses would be even more challenging to make the time rather than GO to class at a given time on a given day.  The courses and college offerings are not appealing to me personally.  I had a horrible experience in 2000 with online GRE course and I vowed that I would NEVER take another class.

·         Do you think that MOOCs (massive open online courses) are the "wave of the future"? How do you think MOOCs might change the way a student like you would receive their education?  I do believe that MOOCs are a “wave of the PRESENT”!  These online courses are alive and well.  Coursera has brought credibility because of the colleges that are partnered to teach these courses.  I have two friends that have pursued their PhD and most of their courses were online.  The newest idea is that the courses are taught and credentials are available for free!  I believe that the younger generation is much more socially conscious and aware of the opportunities that free education can have on our global economy.  For instance, Mr. Khan’s comments about free universal education for every willing person everywhere in this world is an example.   

Pinterest In The Classroom

1.What did you learn from the PINTEREST activity?  I learned that there are a lot of options to choose from in education; however, when I narrowed my search to “after school/career & college readiness,” I did not find as many diverse options to choose from.  This was also the case when I searched for “after school” spaces.  So, this leads me to believe that there is some opportunities to develop pins in this area.  I also learned that this resource is amazing in ALL that it has to offer and the unending options that are available to use it.  For instance, the options are endless if I wanted to get some do it yourself ideas for making furniture, decorating my home, making jewelry, etc.  There is also a teen Pinterest that has a lot of options for teens.

2.How do you believe you will utilize PINTEREST as a teacher?  I believe that Pinterest not only a good resource for teachers, but it is also a great option for the students to use.  I would allow students to develop their own personal boards and allow them to use PINTEREST as a resource to further help them with developing their SMART Goals and vision boards.  I think there are many options to get them to do research and get ideas on various career pathways.  I would also use it as an opportunity to challenge my staff to think about ways to incorporate this resource into our after school curriculum.  Lastly, I would like to use this as a resource for Parents.  For instance, parents can look at Student Activities and get an idea of what their child should be aware of.

3.What are the strengths of PINTEREST?  There are a number of strengths that Pinterest offer.  First, I believe that the greatest strength is the unlimited options that are available.  Second, Pinterest is intuitive and very easy to use.  The simplicity takes away any dread that non-technical folks generally encounter.  Additionally, Pinterest allows individuals to share their interests and their passions.  In the e-world of “community,” Pinterest allows people to become part of a community of their choice.  Finally, Pinterest has very limited reading and LOTS of visuals!  I believe that getting “caught” up in the pictures is

4.What are some of the challenges of PINTEREST?  I think that the biggest challenge with Pinterest is that anyone can “pin” anything!  With that in mind, I could pin something that belongs to my sister without giving her credit.  As well, I mentioned that the greatest strength of Pinterest is the unlimited options and I believe that that is also a challenge.  There are so many options that you really need to have/make the time to browse. 

5.What comments, questions, thoughts, opinions, and/or feedback do you have about PINTEREST?  The exposure to Pinterest and creating boards has been great for me.  I was familiar with Pinterest but did not realize the true nature of creating a board.  From a professional perspective, I wonder if I would be able to establish my boards and create my own community (for students).  I would like to pursue this idea.

Asynchroncity

Assistive Technology for Students with Intellectual Disabilitieies

The term “Intellectual Disability” replaced the term “mental retardation” in October 2010 when President Obama signed Rosa’s Law into law.  I believe that the term “intellectual disability” provides more dignity for the person that is diagnosed as such. If an individual has an intellectual disability, he/she will have challenges learning and functioning in their day-to-day life.  This person is typically slower than someone his/her age. Limitations experienced by these individuals can include the following challenges: conceptual skills (language, literacy, time, number conceptions), social skills (interpersonal skills, gullibility,), and practical skills (personal care, occupational skills, schedules, routines, and use of money).  There are a number of assistive technology applications that can assist this individual.

      Good Karma Applications provides visual schedules.  According to the website, “First-Then was designed for individuals with communication needs, developmental delays, autism spectrum disorders or anyone who would benefit from a structured environment.”  The applications appear to be user-friendly and adaptable to the needs of each individual.  The schedule is designed to assist the user with their practical skills.  There is a checklist feature so the user can check off the task once it is completed.  The checklist is exhaustive and can be adapted to meet the specific needs of the individual.

http://www.goodkarmaapplications.com/first-then-visual-schedule.html

   Model Me Kids, LLC provides teaching tools (assistive technology) for children with various disabilities including developmental delays (another term previously used for intellectual disability).  Social skills are another important aspect of growth.  The Model Me series provides an exhaustive option of products designed to assist with social skills.  The iPhone and iPad applications are available for free.

 http://www.modelmekids.com/emotions_dvd.html

   Future directions of assistive technology specific to intellectual disabilities is unlimited for several reasons.  First, assistive technology for other disabilities such as autism can also be used for individuals with intellectual disabilities.  Second - and very importantly - Apple is committed to making technology accessible, affordable, and easy to use especially for people with disabilities. Finally, I believe that as technology becomes easier to develop more parents, teachers, caregivers, and special education organization will have to opportunity to develop products that are relevant to the individuals in need.