Although it has taken me most of the year to complete this web page, I have given my students an opportunity to use it in its roughest phases, having it available on the school computers. The students are required to do a senior project that helps them define their next steps in life. This web page was created as a help to the students to get the information they needed. Some of the information is Internet based, but the students are also directed to use computer-based programs available at the school site, and programs available at other places within the community.
Seniors have always been required to have a work ready
résumé. In the past the results have
been terrible. Through the use of
technology the students were able to see outstanding examples of how a resume
was supposed to look. This year the use
of technology has enhanced the finished products. At one of the latest presentations by a senior, the student told
the panel, “When I gave them my resume they hired me because they were
impressed with the way it looked!”
Although my school has required a well written résumé as a
requirement before graduation, this year with the integration of technology,
the students have turned in much better products without as much teacher intervention. The students seem to have a better
understanding of why a résumé is necessary and how it is used in the business
world.
The students are graduating with well-defined plans of what
they are going to do next and they have the tools to make it happen. Using the resources available on the
Internet, they are able have a realistic career expectation. Even the lowest level students, or students
who have sports careers in mind are able to formulate a well-founded plan and a
backup if necessary. The students seem
to readily believe the information found in sites such as the Bureau of Labor
Statistics and they do not argue with the information found there.
Changes in Lesson
This has been a constant year-long revision. Some of the
major changes made:
Introduction – inclusion of a index page to point to either teacher or student site.
Standards – these have remained consistent
with original plan. Extra standards
were removed.
Instructional Objectives – unchanged
Introductory Activities – This got to be too long
and I found that students were just skipping all the reading. It was shortened to generate interest, but
not be boring.
Enabling Activities – These have remained fairly much
the same. The way they are present has
changed considerably from the original draft.
Culminating Activities – Future changes would be
to emphasize the Power Point more and give more direction on how to do it. Many of the students are typing assignments
for the first time, so to learn how to do Power Point is a real stretch. As the years progress a ninth grade activity
will include a Power Point presentation to get the students familiar and
comfortable with the process.
Pre or Post Assessments – These were just
included. Without them, there was no
way to monitor progress. The real
assessment will be whether the students follow through on the plans they have
made.
Web Resources – These can continually be
updated. Some of them have improved
since I began this project and some, of course, do not work any longer. I tell the students to let me know when they
find a link that does not work so it can be eliminated or changed.
Technology Applications – These were a definite
bonus to the students completing this assignment. I found that without them, the students needed much more
one-on-one time with the teacher. Once
I was able to let the students do the exploring, it reduced the number of
questions and it also seemed to reduce the student anxiety level. We do need to help the students learn how to
use power point.