Introduction

 The following lessons support the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) developed by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).

Description

The purpose of iRead, iWrite, iMovie2 is to increase reading and writing skills as measured by standardized Comprehensive Achievement Tests. With technology as its vehicle iRead, iWrite, iMovie2 is an interdisciplinary project where learners will work collaboratively using project-based learning. Learners will work together as a team using decision-making and critical thinking skills. They will be engrossed in learning a variety of skills while having fun creating, and producing authentic projects. When learners are involved in hands-on self-motivated activities, self-esteem is raised, consequently increasing academic achievement, the project's intended outcome. When learning is meaningful it becomes long lasting. Effective uses of new media include the integration of the latest technologies (Apple Computers' iLife) with the curriculum, replacing sometimes-outdated textbooks. This lesson addresses all learning styles through the total integration of the sensory, auditory, visual, kinesthetic and tactile modalities.

Project Steps

Teachers and learners are introduced to the project by a PowerPoint presentation. Next, the teacher selects two literary books for the class. Afterward, learners write an expository or narrative piece. The best piece is turned into a script. Learners are placed in categorical groups of five to work on the iMovie. Using a center approach, learners work on the project daily for an hour, as they get weekly training in the computer lab on how to use iLife Tools. When the iMovies are complete, they will be evaluated using a rubric along with a scoring explanation sheet. Finally, a certificate will given to all groups. To increase parental involvement, parents will be invited to the school for a Sneak Preview of their child's iMovie in their classroom.

Activity Structure

Individual and Collaborative Projects

Grade Level

Three - Eight

Duration

Seven weeks

Content Areas

Language Arts, Performing Arts

Suggestions

Use the Apple Website to learn about iMovie.

Lesson #1

Lesson #4

Lesson #2

Lesson #5

Lesson #3

Lesson #6