01+Instructor+Information

My name is Michael Plocher.

I teach Earth Science and felt a unit on oceanography would lend itself well in meeting not only Minnesota's science standards but also many of Minnesota's MEMO technology standards in addition to ISTE NETS. Since many of my students have never been outside of the Midwest, this unit will give them a greater appreciation and understanding of the vast diversity God gave to his creation and especially to Earth's oceans.

Following is a list of applications used in this unit of study:
 * Kidblog
 * Google Docs
 * Google Earth
 * PhotoPeach
 * Picasa
 * Picnik- Part of Google+ as of April 2012.
 * Prezi
 * ProProfs
 * Scribd
 * SurveyMonkey
 * VoiceThread
 * WikiSpaces
 * YouTube

Not all of the applications I chose will be used by students. Some I used to simplify the process of what goes on behind the teaching. The applications I chose for the students to use allow for differentiated instruction by allowing students to work at their own pace and level when doing activities. The blog will allow students to respond privately and at their academic level without fear of peer responses. At other times I will post questions to the wiki that all will have an opportunity to respond to publicly and can view and edit others responses as need be in a collaborative manner.

The students' experiences are improved by the addition of applications that reach them as digital learners. Their blog is done as they have time, either inside or outside of the classroom. Struggling students can obtain assistance at home from parents or online from me or others in the evening if need be. As students obtain images necessary for one of their activities in this unit, Picasa and Picnik will be used to allow for individualized expression. These images will then be incorporated into a slideshow using PhotoPeach. Students will react to other slide shows by commenting on them allowing the viewer and creator of the slide show to connect in a meaningful way. For some activities, students will work collaboratively using GoogleDocs. They will also share their knowledge with their peers and me when creating a VoiceThread.

I will offer them extra computer time or time after school in the computer lab if need be to complete assignments. I also plan to have four class periods in this unit used in their entirety for activity and assessment work. I will remind students who are under age 13 that they need to seek parental permission before they sign up for online accounts where there is an age requirement. At all times I will not put any identifiable information of students online other than a first name and possibly a last initial.

The following resources are needed for this unit.
 * Print or digital encyclopedia
 * computer
 * Internet connection
 * Google Docs account (Student created via Gmail account)
 * Kidblog account (Created by me)
 * wikispaces account (Created by me)
 * Picasa account (Student created)
 * PhotoPeach account (Student created)
 * VoiceThread account (Student created)
 * Earth Science 2008 textbook in print or online
 * Notebook
 * Unit packet of printed materials