Assignment #3 - Task 2

The Core Curriculum Standards decipher what is taught in schools in the state of New Jersey. As we continue to learn more about technology in the classroom in the 21st century, we can take a look at what specifically are some of the standards for technology in today's schools and how we can utilize these standards in a potential lesson.

We can begin by choosing a standard: I chose to look at: 8.2 Technology Education, Engineering, and Design. This standard states that "All students will develop an understanding of the nature and impact of technology, engineering, technological design, and the designed world, as they relate to the individual, global society, and the environment."

The standard is then divided into strands, in this standard it happens to be divided into seven strands. For purposes of our potential lesson plan I chose the strand that looks at 'Communication and Collaboration'(8.2.12.E.1).

By the end of grade 12, students must be able to use the design process to devise a technological product that addresses a global issue. In doing this, they must utilize "digital tools" which could be anything: computers, digital cameras, online communities, GPS, etc. Basically, I believe this CPI (Cumulative Progress Indicator) is looking for the students to use technology today by creating a unique way to take a closer look at a global issue.

As I prepare to become a physical education teacher I think this exercise will be a fantastic way to integrate technology into the classroom. Instead of a typical gym class filled with dodge balls flying everywhere, I decided to change things up and to assign students topics that they can work on collaboratively to tackle global issues. Just like we are adapting to the technology curve, we are also adapting to many other trends that are apart of our every day lives. Health is more prevalent in today's society than ever before. Everywhere you look there are commercials, websites, fliers, and people telling you how you can be more healthier. This may be through exercise, eating right, or making better life choices.

For this lesson plan, I will make each student responsible for creating a 4-week health plan - this will be a plan that students will ultimately use themselves. The idea of this plan is for students to take a closer look at a health issue and relate it to their own life.  I do not expect to solve any "problems" with this lesson plan, but I hope for this to make a small improvement in the students overall health. Each health plan will cater to 1 goal a student plans on reaching. Overall goals could be (but are not limited to):

•            Choosing the right foods to eat by learning of different ways to prepare food

•            Preparing for a race by mapping out route to run while building up for the overall goal (5k, 10k, etc.)

•            Adding muscle by researching best practices of lifting weights

•            Creating a plan to quit smoking

In the 4-week plan, the student must be able to relate a global health problem to their own lives and report a background of information on the global issue. The student is responsible for teaming with one other classmate for a brainstorming session where they will offer ideas and suggestions to each individuals health plan. The student must also be able to report why their goal is important to complete as it relates to overall health in today's society and how their completion of this goal can improve their overall health. In their plan they must use 3 digital tools. Students will have the option of creating a weekly blog (which can be used as one of the three digital tools) or they may keep a written journal.

Students will be graded on creativity, throughness, and difficulty of technology resources. I would urge the students to try to use their knowledge of technology to their advantage and create a plan that is realistic by making sure there are steps that are taken to make sure the goal is met. It is important when creating the plan for the student to make sure they look at research and devise a plan that best suits them- what worked for other people and what did not work?

I now ask my followers to offer any input on my idea - what do you think could use some changing and what do you think I could maybe concentrate more on?