Demonstration Lesson

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Permalink Reply by Jason de Nys on February 15, 2009 at 2:04am

Is it specifically an IT lesson?

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Permalink Reply by suehellman on February 15, 2009 at 9:24am

Is it an international school or a school for nationals? With that infomation we should be able to dig up some curriculum guidelines online. (eg) Below is a program outline for a German school in Africa, but I suspect it probably gives a pretty good idea of what German nationals get at home.

What subject are you applying to teach? Without any further information I'd be inclined to go with using this class as an opportunity for them to learn about where you're from, possibly using Google Earth (although that has to be installed on their computers-- ask if they'll do that and have it ready for you) and transition that into a platform for the class making a tour for you of their community.

Start with an outline of how this one lesson would fit into a larger sequence designed to teach an interesting computer tool and geography at the same time. Pick the age you want to aim it at -- unless the class is blended 3-5 and then group cross-age so that the older students can help the younger ones with the higher order skills.

If that's not a winner, Voicethread offers lots of options. Get yourself an educator account for $10 and look at the wiki and the group in Classroom 2.0 for ideas. It's a great way to get kids working on English vocabulary. If you'd like more help with this, email me at small.changes.big.returns@gmail.com and I'll lend whatever ideas I can.

I think the main thing is that you ought to decide who the lesson would work best with, what the cross-curricular goals would be, and although you'd teach only one lesson, you'll give them the bigger picture of how it would fit into a larger sequence. It should be an interesting interview.

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Permalink Reply by Lydia Jansen on February 15, 2009 at 10:25am

Fabulous ideas, thank you. I am applying to teach IT and it's an international school. Unfortunately, the current IT teacher has been asked to help and doesn't seem terribly interested in doing so. I also considered Google Earth and am certain that they have it installed.

I especially like your idea about providing a bigger picture as to how the lesson could fit into a larger sequence. What I don't know is if they have Google Earth 5.0 as I would be inclined to use the new touring feature.

Again, thanks. I'll concentrate on Google Earth. Let me know if you have any other suggestions.

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Permalink Reply by Nancy Bosch on February 15, 2009 at 12:01pm

You could also do a demo of some other sites you might use--Scratch or Alice could be impressive if they haven't seen it. It too would have to be downloaded. You could have a website developed with your links ready to go. You could also discuss blogging and set up a blog focusing on a content area---or book reviews. (Here's one I've set up but we haven't used it yet)

If I were in your shoes I would make sure not to bumble around--last week my co-teacher tried to show a group of kids a Google Lit tour she'd done on a book. We'd just had a newer version of Google Earth download (the one with undersea) and many of the buttons and links she needed were either gone or in a new place.

Another thing you would not have to download ( besides a blog or a wiki) is a collaborative time line maker. The one we used was glitchy but was fun for the kids to use and makes a fancy product.

I can send you some wiki samples, too.

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Permalink Reply by suehellman on February 15, 2009 at 12:40pm

Nancy --try Dipity for your timelines. I tried it with an inexperienced teacher and she really likes it.

PS -- (10 minutes later) I just took a look myself as I hadn't in a while and was surprised to see Intimate dating ad beside the timeline!!! I have written the company to ask if they can set up educators' accounts without those ads. -S

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Permalink Reply by Nancy Bosch on February 15, 2009 at 1:28pm

Thanks, we used Mnemograph in the beta phase and it was glitchier than I liked but the kids enjoyed it---N.

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Permalink Reply by suehellman on February 15, 2009 at 12:35pm

Lydia -- map out what you want to try and rehearse it in both GE4 and 5 so you can make it work either way --or ask them if they will install 5 before you get there. I think you may also want to invite the class's regular teacher and others who might have free blocks at the time you're there (and even the interview panel) to sit in on your session as participants beside the kids if they are not familiar with GE.You want to impress them with your interest in being collaborative -- ie. co-planning with a regular teacher where to find the right point of insertion for a new tool/resource, leading the first few classes for them to give them a chance to sit beside the kids and learn the new tool, and then being on hand as the tech problem solver when he/she tries it on their own. I think you might want to give them a vision of what an IT person can do by using a collaborative model like this, but before you go too far with this, you'll want to call (you pre-interview them) to clarify how they envision the position and to get a sense of whether they want you to bring a new vision or just fill an exisitng slot they are happy with.

If you can find a class to practice on -- so much the better, to get all the little glitches out and get your timing down. Keep your objectives for the class very clear -- say them at the beginning to the kids and to interview panel, put them up where uyou' can't forget them, and at the end be sure you or the students illustrates how you met them. (It will be even better if you can get the kids to to this.) Don't forget to take name tags for them all. You'll want to be able to call them by name. You'll also want some way to assess quickly what the kids know about GE and have a plan B to either bump up or dial back your starting point in case you've either over or undershot their skill level.

If you want to practice on me ad have access to Elluminate, I'll happily be a guinea pig. I know almost nothing about GE and would like to learn. If you map out the lesson, send it to me at the gmail address we can use their live chat feature to talk if you like.

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Permalink Reply by Nancy Bosch on February 15, 2009 at 1:27pm

Good suggestions.

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