Non-linear PPTs

Non- linear Power Points offer an alternative to paper and pencil assessments.  This type of Power Point is fun, interactive, and engages students in learning.  Teachers can create games shows, quizzes, and interactive stories to test their student's knowledge.  Students can work on these assessments as a class or individuals or even at home.

5th Grade Solar System Quiz

5^th Grade Solar System Quiz Power Point Connections

Name: Amber Schaffer	Date:12/06/10
Non-linear PPT Title:5th  Grade Solar System Quiz	Grade/Level:5th
TN State Learning Accomplishments: http://www.state.tn.us/education/curriculum.shtml Please think about a narrow focus here rather than a broad focus. Science SPI 0507.6.1 Distinguish among the planets according to their known characteristics such as appearance, location, composition, and apparent motion. Computer Technology 5.2.3. Students will develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity. b. Practice safe use of the electronic equipment. 5.3.1. Students will use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity. a. Use subject specific information gathered through technology resources for a variety of curriculum subjects. 5.3.2. Students will use productivity tools to collaborate in constructing technology enhanced models, prepare publications, and produce other creative works. a. Use the computer and technology resources to practice learning skillsin relation to other subject areas such as math, science, English, etc. b. Recognize that different software programs are design for specific purposes.
NETS-T Performance Indicators:  http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_for_Teachers_2008.htm     2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessment incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS•S. Teachers: a. design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.  d. provide students with multiple and varied formative and summative assessments aligned with content and technology standards and use resulting data to inform learning and teaching.  3. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning Teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital society. Teachers: a. demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations. c. communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats. d. model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning. 5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership Teachers continuously improve their professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in their school and professional community by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources. Teachers: a. participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning. c. evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning. d. contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self-renewal of the teaching profession and of their school and community.
Essential Question: What is the desired/expected outcome for the students after using this non-linear PowerPoint presentation? After completing the Solar System Quiz the teacher and students should be able to evaluate what they learned during a unit on the Solar System.  If students are missing questions related to one or more areas they will know they need to go back and review (or the teacher knows what to spend more time reviewing).  The quiz also makes sure to use different types of questions to give the students variety and make them think beyond simple multiple choice quizzes.  Teachers could adapt this quiz to test specific areas they feel their students need to work on.
Description of the ‘relative advantage’ of any and all technology being used in this instructional activity: Describe how technology is more helpful than time consuming in completing this instructional activity; why use technology in this activity at all? The first benefit to using the non linear PowerPoint is that it is much more interactive than a lecture type lesson or a linear Power Point.  Students tend to be more engaged when they can actively participate in a lesson or assessment. The quiz seems more like a game show than a test of their skills. Second this quiz uses Power Point which allows the teacher to make the assessment more aesthetically pleasing by adding color pictures and animations.  This technology is also versatile enough that students can participate in the Solar System quiz individually and cooperatively.  In a school where the classes are self contained the teachers can share the assessment and reducing the amount of time they have to spend creating their own tests.  This could even be put on a class website where the students could take the quiz at home and use as a study tool.