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Jepson Fellowship goes to the 4th Grade

  • Jennifer Polack-Wahl (Computer Science, UMW)

This year was exciting since I had the opportunity to work on my Jepson Fellowship project titled, “Designing Computer Technology Learning Modules in the K-12 Curriculum.” The point of the research was to create curriculum modules that incorporate information technology activities into 3rd, 6th, and 10th grade. However, after meeting with the Fredericksburg School District they asked that I work on one specific grade. After some discussion the 4th grade was selected since those students do not take any standards of learning exams. The short-term goal of the project was to provide the Fredericksburg City Public Schools with expertise in computer technology such that the delivery of the standards of learning in computer technology is improved and students’ perceptions of jobs opportunities in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) disciplines are positive.

The materials so far produced have been delivered to the local public schools’ Instructional Technology Integration Specialist. The materials so far include teaching modules in problem-solving, learning about the weather, basic plant anatomy & the life process, electricity: circuits & conductors and probability & statistics. Some preliminary results are that computer science and technology concepts can easily be integrated into the 4th grade curriculum; however, getting the time to train the teachers has been limited due to the lack of support by the organization. Each teaching module contains an objective, assignment, technology used, material taught prior to assignment, pre-assignment, outline of assignment, post-assignment, and careers that may use the objective as a foundation skill. The assignment in each module uses technology readily and freely available to all schools. Completed modules can be found at http://users.umw.edu/~polack/4thgrade/index.htm.

Computer/Technology Standards of Learning

Grades 3-5

Jepson Modules and how they relate to the Virginia Technology SOL’s

Technology Research Tools

  • The student will use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.
    • Collect information from a variety of sources.
      • All Modules have sections on Careers in the Module Topic and Technology used by Module Topic. These sections allow students to explore different website to gather future information about careers and technology
    • Evaluate the accuracy of electronic information sources.
    • Enter data into databases and spreadsheets.
      • The probability and statistics module has students entering in information into an excel spreadsheet and creating a bar chart.

Basic Operations and Concepts

  • The student will demonstrate knowledge of the nature and operation of technology systems.
    • Discuss common uses of computers in their daily life and the advantages and disadvantages those uses provide.
      • All Modules show how computer work in their daily life. More information needs to be added to the modules to discuss advantages and disadvantages
    • Communicate about basic technology components with appropriate terminology.
      • All Modules refer to the basic technology components with appropriate terminology, i.e. mouse, applets, information systems, spreadsheets, website. The SOL's are very unclear as to what terminology it means but all modules go into a variety of technology terms, especially in the careers in module topic and technology use in module topic
  • The student will demonstrate proficiency in the use of technology.
    • Use skills and procedures needed to operate various technologies such as scanners, digital cameras and hand-held computers.
    • Identify basic software applications such as word processing, databases, and spreadsheets.
      • The probability and statistics module uses a spreadsheet. All modules give sample questions at the end of each assignment and make a suggestion that students use a word processor to answer questions.

Social and Ethical Issues

  • The student will demonstrate knowledge of ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology.
    • Identify how technology has changed society in areas such as communications, transportation, and the economy.
      • (All Modules have section on Technology used by/in Module Topic. These sections allow students see how society is affected by the technology and how it impacts careers in module topic
    • Discuss ethical behaviors when using information and technology.
  • The student will demonstrate knowledge of technologies that support collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity.
    • Work collaboratively when using technology.
      • All Modules use Group Work.
    • Practice and communicate respect for people, equipment, and resources.
    • Understand how technology expands opportunities for learning.
      • All Modules use Group Work.

Problem-solving and Decision-making Tools

  • The student will use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions.
  • Problem Solving Module directly relates to problem solving and how to improve problem solving skills.
    • Determine when technology tools are appropriate to solve a problem and make a decision.
    • Select resources to solve problems and make informed decisions.
      • In addition to the problem solving module the electricity module mandates that the student select different circuitry setup to solve the electricity problem. The learning the weather modules also uses problem solving. Students must change the Equatorward Temperature, Poleward Temperature, and Relative Humidity to change the weather patterns

Technology Communication Tools

  • The student will use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences.
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