Management and Lesson Plan Technology By: Alyssa Connors Melissa Lopiano Nicole Curci

Technology can become the “wings” that will allow the educational world to fly farther and faster than ever before- if we will allow it- ~Jenny Arledge

Classroom management technology is a useful resource when creating, controlling, and assessing class lesson plans for k-12 students. Educators can use these internet- based applications when: – Constructing tests – Posting assignments – Making lesson plans – Managing attendance – Keeping record of student assessments (Tests, Home Work, etc.) – Encouraging student collaboration – Promoting communication amongst students, teachers, and parents.

Using a Course Management System to Improve Classroom Communication Perkins & Pfaffman (2006) This article explains how Moodle has improved and enhanced student performance by promoting and organizing communication among teachers, students, and parents. Modular Objective- Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment Moodle is an acronym for Modular Objective- Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment which provides teachers with a variety of tools to support student learning and parental communication. The authors support using technology as a tool for managing. Moodle is a course management system which allows teachers to easily post assignments, lesson plans, announcements, and course documents. Students have the access to participate in online discussions and hand in assignments through the web.

Using a Course Management System to Improve Classroom Communication Perkins & Pfaffman (2006) Supports Student Learning: Resources are posted to the site and remain there until the end of the semester, allowing students to review information at any time. Materials can never be lost. Students can look up due dates and other course requirements, preventing any misunderstandings about what needs to be completed. If a student is unable to attend a day’s lesson, they can still be connected to their class by accessing the daily lesson plans, finding home work, and posting work that should have been handed in. Teachers are able to create an online glossary of terms used throughout the course. Students can also add or edit terms.

Using a Course Management System to Improve Classroom Communication Perkins & Pfaffman (2006) Promotes Communication: Parents can view lesson plans, slide show presentations, assignments, grades, and due dates through Moodle. It helps parents and teachers hold students accountable for assignments made during the school day. It allows parents to know the teacher’s expectations for student performance and achievement. Additionally, teachers can use Moodle to communicate with their students by sending an when a new message is posted. Teachers also have the option of providing automatic grading by giving students formative feedback. The authors use Moodle in the high school they work at, to include parents in the educational process.

Using a Course Management System to Improve Classroom Communication Perkins & Pfaffman (2006) Teacher’s Feedback on Using Moodle: The authors asked their colleagues how Moodle enhances their classroom-  A Chemistry teacher felt that Moodle helped him to keep record of demos and activities that he uses in lessons. He is able to reflect back on what worked and what did not work for future lessons.  The Advanced Placement Physics teacher posts her slideshow presentations and practice quizzes on Moodle. She finds the site to be a great way of keeping information organized.

Classroom Communication Perkins & Pfaffman (2006)

Similar to Moodle… Blackboard improves every aspect of education connect more effectively informedinvolvedcollaborating Blackboard improves every aspect of education. As long as students have internet access they can view blackboard, which allows them to connect more effectively, keeping students informed, involved, and collaborating together. Teachers can add resources (videos, animations, power points, etc.), students can post information or questions that can be answered by other blackboard members. multiple learning styles Blackboard is used to accommodate multiple learning styles by providing various content formats. This allows students to find materials based on their preferred learning style.

Blackboard… 12/overview.aspx 12/overview.aspx

teachers, parents, and students Kasprowicz (2010) wanted to bridge the communication gap among teachers, parents, and students, through the use of technology in managing his classroom. It is important that all 3 parties are actively involved and communicating at all times throughout the academic year. Kasprowicz asked himself and his students: How may I best communicate with you using technology? What do you need from me? What do you consider to be valuable information? What forms of technology are available to accomplish this goal?

Results… The students indicated that they wanted a progress report or a way to communicate with each other online. Through surveys he found that parents and students wanted timely grade updates and a way other than traditional techniques to communicate.

MicroGrade Progress Reports Kaspowicz found that MicroGrade Progress Reports were the best solution. current gradesattendance assignment information This service creates a new connection among parents, teachers, and students by providing online access to current grades, attendance, and assignment information. WebGrade saves teachers time. Parents and students check progress online so teachers can greatly reduce the time spent discussing grades and trying to reach parents by telephone. WebGrade enhances parental involvement by providing an easy way for teachers to communicate with them about their child's progress. According to the Parent Institute, the key reason for parent non-involvement is lack of information.

Demonstration of MicroGrade See what other teachers are saying about this grading system… I have to tell you, I am extremely impressed! I just began playing around with the MG system before sending this . I love it. I showed it to my wife as well, and her direct comment was, "I love it! It will be so great to have it through internet access instead of carrying around a big grade book.“ It's so wonderful to have my grades online, as I can now access these while travelling.

Kasprowicz (2010) then researched different sites that would help communication with students and parents… He chose to use schoolnotes.com Students and parents can quickly with questions on homework or information that was posted. The teacher is able to create this website for his students and the parents by controlling everything that goes on the page. No matter where students are they can obtain information on the page, as long as they have internet access.

“I have found that this website holds students responsible for their own education, as long as the information on the website is current, a student has no excuse for not doing his homework.” “Technology has increased my expectations of each student. They are more accountable for managing their work.” The author of this article felt that the research supported independent growth in students… He said

Examples of Management Tools YOU could use in YOUR Classroom Classroom Management: Schoolology Classroom Management: Schoolology Behavioral Management: Class Dojo /leaderboard /leaderboard Managing & Organizing Student Grades-

Lesson Plan Management Technology Van Horn (2003) stressed how important it is to use relevant portals and websites when researching effective lesson planning tools. Google is good and can provide teachers with great information, but unfortunately not all of it is educational material. Using portals and other teacher friendly websites, you can find information that is designed strictly for educators. A portal is a website that maintains a database of resources you can search. These sites may include areas for class lists and grades. Moodle and Blackboard are examples of portals.

Lesson Plan Management Technology The following websites can be used as a resource to help teachers access lesson plans according to their content area. Class Zone Class Zone: On this web page teachers can access up to date tools for daily lesson plans as well as resources to enhance their professional development. Scholastic: This web page has various ideas for lesson starters, lesson plans, and class activities. Teachers can use a discussion board to share information and results

Lesson Plan Management Technology The following websites can be used to create and manage daily lesson plans. iLesson Plan: This is a web-based lesson planning software in which teachers can create lesson plans that meet their schedules needs. They have the ability to assign lesson plans to different times everyday. The flexibility is endless. Plan book: This web page is a great tool for saving and storing lesson plans.

Lesson Plan Management Technology Teaching Channel: This site is like a personal assistant for teachers and a great site for planning and storing lessons.

Conclusion The technology that we have seen not only in this presentation, but in our own classroom as well, can be used to support instructional methods and classroom management. The previous resources can help to accommodate all learners in the classroom. Please use our handout to help you in the future! The websites and programs will be great for you to use when managing your classroom and lesson plans.

A portal is a website that maintains a database of resources you can search. These sites may include areas for class lists and grades. Moodle and Blackboard are examples of portals. References Horn, R. V. (2003). Gateways, Portals, and Websites. The Phi Delta Kappan, 84, Kasprowicz, T. (2002). Managing the Classroom with Technology. On Progress Reports and Online Communications, and How To Manage the Two Different Communication Techniques.. Tech Directions, 61, Perkins, M., & Pfaffman, J. (2006). Using a course management system to improve classroom communication. Science Teacher, 73,