HOW IT WORKS
The Native American Interactive Slideshow is implemented in the
classroom by alternating class lessons and independent/cooperative
group work time at various stations. This is a longterm program that
works in three phases. Phase One requires more instructional time
than the other two phases. It focuses on teaching the children to do
research using the various stations (Books, Grolier Software, and the
Internet). Phase One also teaches the basics for the HyperStudio
software program. After each lesson, independent work time is
allowed to experiment with what has been taught.
Phase Two focuses on the students doing research. There is very little class instructional
time during this phase. However, it is important to be a facilitator and
give guided instruction to students in need. Phase Three focuses on
creating the actual Native American Interactive Slideshow. The
students design their ideas on paper and then use those designs to
create the slideshow using HyperStudio on a computer. They save
their work on disks. There are a few class lessons throughout this
phase covering more advanced HyperStudio topics to help enhance
the quality of the students’ current paper designs. However, much of
Phase Three requires guided instruction to those in need.
THE STUDENTS
This program was developed for about 150 fourth-grade students from
five different classes of mixed ability levels. It can be adapted for
second through eighth grade students. Groups, individuals, or full
classes can work throughout the school year.
THE STAFF
Marla Schneider has been teaching at P.S. 41 in the Bronx for eight
years. She taught in the classroom for grades kindergarten through
three during her first six years. After completing her master’s in
Technology Education, she began teaching in the Library/Technology
Center to grades one through five. She created a website for the P.S.
41 Library/Technology Center and has also helped create and design
the school newspaper.
WHAT YOU NEED
The Native American Interactive Slideshow requires books,
computers, an encyclopedia software program (HyperStudio) and a
connection to the Internet. It is helpful for each student
to have his/her own disk.
OVERALL VALUE
This program allows students to work cooperatively and, in turn,
teaches them to problem solve with each other and to use task
management. It shows the students that there is more than one way to
obtain and supply information. The program gives the children plenty
of time to gain independence and feel success, yet it also allows
instructional and facilitating time as well. Students will feel
self-satisfaction when they see what they are capable of and how
much they have accomplished. |