TECHNOLOGY STANDARDS

Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that
advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments.

In the classroom, technology can encompass all kinds of tools from low-tech pencil, paper, and
chalkboard, to the use of presentation software, or high-tech tablets, online collaboration and
conferencing tools, and more. The newest technologies allow teachers to try things in physical
and virtual classrooms that were not possible before. Technology is something that all teachers
and other professionals need to be proficient on because it helps us to expand beyond linear,
text-based learning and to engage students who learn best in other ways. Presentation
software such as power point and other technology formats have enabled me throughout my
studies at Aquinas College and during my student teaching to organize students learning
activities, and embed high resolution photographs, diagrams, videos and sound files to
augment text, enrich my course papers, and verbal teaching content. I have used digital
simulations and models in explaining concepts that were hard for my students to understand.
My cooperating teacher uses technology to communicate all the learning activities and other
school events to the parents on the fourth grade website. Technology promotes students
learning at home through online homework and enable parents to see their children
assessment scores and performances on the school gradebook website. Technology has
provided teachers and students easy ways to collect data, document things and circulate
information to people in other parts of the world.

Evidence
My first piece of evidence is a lesson plan that I created while student teaching. This lesson
incorporates the use of Presentation software such as power point, photographs, diagrams, and
a video. This helped the students to understand the material I taught; they participated actively
in class discussion and were able to express their understanding of the lesson in writing.

AQUINAS COLLEGE
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
LESSON PLAN FORMAT
4th Grade Lesson
Sr. Kate Okolocha

Subject: Social Studies

Content Area: The Badlands of South Dakota
Time Duration: 50 Minutes
2/29/16
Michigan Curriculum Framework Content Standards and Benchmarks:
Analyze information from geographic representation, use tools and technology to define
location, place and region. Locate major South Dakota geographical features.
Unit Outcome:

TWL will be able to describe the landscape and climate of the Badlands 67 million years
ago
TWL will be able to explain why the climate of the Badlands changed
TWL will be able to define erosion and describe the way it changes the landscape
TWL will be able to define prairie and describe the types of life that live in the Badlands
Rational/Purpose of lesson:
The students will discover how the South Dakota Badlands have changed over time and discuss
some of the causes and effects of these changes. They will apply this knowledge to every day
situation and while discussing landscape and climate of other region.

Assessment:
The students will see pictures and watch video of the Badlands National Park. I will ask them to
imagine that they visited the Badlands National Park. They will discuss in groups what they see
and write a letter to a friend explaining what they see and what caused the changes in the
Badlands of South Dakota. I will walk around listening to their discussions and we will share
their thinking and work together.
Resources/Materials Required:
Text Book (pgs. 242 245)
Power Point Pictures of Badlands National Park
Worksheet/ papers
Markers/Pencils
Flash cards
Smart board
Video of the Badlands National Park
Introduction/Grabber:

Review students prior knowledge by asking them to locate South Dakota on a map of the
United States. Have students speculate why the region they will be studying is called the
Badlands.
Procedures:
o Introduce power point pictures of the Badlands National Park before and after the
climate changed.
o Have students talk about the words that comes to their minds and why
o Discuss the meaning and history of the Badlands of South Dakota with the students
o Ask students why the climate of the badlands changed
o Ask students to turn and talk to each other about the effects the climate change have on
the Badlands, and then share their discussions with the class.
o Have students talk about the flora (plant life) and fauna (animal life) they think existed
in the badlands before the climate changed
o Have students talk about the flora (plant life) and fauna (animal life) in the Badlands
now and why
o Students will watch a video of the Badlands National Park. They will discuss in groups
what they see in the video. They will write a letter to a friend describing what they see,
what the Badlands look like, and what caused the changes in the Badlands of South
Dakota. (The discussion might extend to the next day lesson if we run out of time)
o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68zB8xM8GLo
Homework: Students who are still writing their letters will take it home and complete.
Closure: Review; ask students what they learned about the Badlands and summarize the lesson.
Evidence #2
My second piece of evidence is this website. I used my knowledge of technology to create this
site for professionals, and others to view my educational experience, philosophy and other
accomplishments.
Evidence #3
Another piece of evidence is a book review link I designed during my course (EN 443)
Literacy for Diverse Learners. The technology knowledge helped me to design a book
recommendation review link. The goal was to use my knowledge of technology to
review, design a book I read, and recommend the review link for other students to
watch and read the book. My designed book review link:
https://animoto.com/play/Pvgsywrn0sVyVIqPKCFPRw

Sr. Kate incorporates the use of presentation software such as power point and maps to help
students identify the location of Badlands in South Dakota and understand the material.

Sr. Kate uses her knowledge of technology to help 4th grade students connect to Khan Academy
website and practice solving math problems they learned in class.