Case Study 3: Miss Martinez, First Grade- Unit on Animals
Three Technologies
After speaking with Miss Martinez, and understanding her lessons and lesson objectives
and goals for her First grade lessons on animals, I recommend the following technologies.
1. 2 network scanners
2. Interactive Whiteboard
3. Digital storytelling software
First Technology
I would recommend the use of 2 digital scanners so Miss Gonzales’ students can scan and upload
their favorite zoo animal. This is an age appropriate technology because the students can make
artwork into JPGs and insert them as clipart to create a story book. They will be focused on the
content. The availability of only 2 digital scanners will require students to alternate and therefore
they will learn how to collaborate on the procedures, photos and/or comments on chosen photo.
The students with special needs will benefit because they will be viewing and discussing photos.
Second Technology
The second technology that I would recommend is using the Interactive Whiteboard. It combines
a dry erase whiteboard with an LCD projector and it becomes a computer screen viewable by an
entire classroom. Miss Gonzales can assign the students to work in groups and they can discuss
and review the photographs scanned and uploaded. This will allow the students to collaborate
and provide feedback within the group. I would recommend Miss Gonzales assign the students to
create a presentation of the photographs scanned. The white board will allow the groups to
display to Miss Gonzales and their peers the zoo animals they have chosen. This will allow the
students with special need to feel comfortable and
Third Technology
I would recommend the use of the storytelling software. They can record and capture their
unique zoo animal and instill a sense of pride for storytelling. This will assist the student will
special needs, because they will only be responsible for recording their narration of their animal.
This presentation will allow the special pops the opportunity to shine.
Planning
My first plan of action would be to conference with Miss Gonzales. I would discuss her level of
comfort with technology. I would further discuss the importance of having her students become
familiar with the equipment, in this case the scanners. Especially, speak with the special pop
students in private regarding the upcoming project. The availability of 2 scanners for 20 students,
it will be imperative to group the students. I would suggest that 15 minutes be allowed to scan
the photos and upload. Books of zoo animals should be available to students to read to avoid
down time. Second, I would discuss how knowledgeable Miss Gonzales is with storytelling
software. I would recommend she visit youtube.com or teachertube.com to view tutorials on
using storytelling. Third, I would discuss her level of comfort using Whiteboard and its features.
Once this is established, we can discuss scheduling a meeting to practice using Whiteboard with
my assistance. To assist Miss Gonzales with assessing her students, I would recommend she
create a rubric. If Miss Gonzales is unable to create a rubric; I will recommend she visit Rubistar.
To ensure Miss Gonzales’ lesson is successful; I will provide her with a checklist to ensure all
equipment and software is available. Also, make sure the Whiteboard is calibrated. As a backup
plan, I would suggest she have a folder of zoo animals on the student desktops. For special pops,
I would suggest short videos of zoo animals with audio for viewing.
Implementation
I will visit with Miss Gonzales before class time to answer any immediate questions or concerns.
During this visit, I will ask if all her equipment is available and if her checklist is complete. To
reassure him, I will provide her with my contact information. I will visit Miss Gonzales as the
day ends to get some feedback from her regarding the lesson and issues
Technology Evaluation
In order to assess the technology used in Miss Gonzales’ lesson I would schedule a post
conference with her the following day. During the conference, I would ask if the students were
to master the lesson she was teaching. Also, I would ask how the students with special needs
interacted. Furthermore, what she liked and disliked about the lesson. Also what she felt could
have been better. Moreover, I would as Miss Gonzales about my performance on the lesson and
recommended technology.
Enhancement
I would use the story book to enhance a Science Lesson. The storytelling can branch out to
discussing mammals and food chains. The photos can be displayed as the students share
additional information regarding if it is an omnivore, carnivores or herbivores. Furthermore, the
storytelling on zoo animals can be archived and used to display at the library and amongst
campus.