Syllabus


 * Course Syllabus **


 * Course Title: ** Using Reading and Language Arts Based Software in the Classroom

igw80@aol.com
 * Instructor ** : Ilise Helfman


 * Intended Audience **

This course is designed for K-12 teachers, primarily those that work with students on reading and language arts skills.


 * Prerequisites **


 * 1) Experience using computers
 * 2) Knowledge of Microsoft Word
 * 3) Familiarity with Wikis (for the purpose of taking this course)


 * Course Description **

In this course, participants learn how use Inspiration and Clicker 5 software as a way to integrate technology into their instruction. Participants will be able to identify ways to use these tools as a resource for developing reading and writing skills amongst their students. The course encompasses learning the basic features of each program, making use of the ready-made templates, and creating activities and templates for instruction and practice.


 * Course Objectives **

The following goals would be achieved as a result of taking this course:

1. Introduce and expose teachers to language arts based software that they can add to their repertoire of teaching tools.

2. Provide teachers with additional resources that they can use to help improve students reading and writing skills.


 * 1) 3. Increase the capacity of teachers by enhancing and expanding their technology skills.


 * 1) 4. Provide teachers with ways to integrate technology into their lesson plans as it relates to their curriculum.


 * Course Materials **

See materials/resources listed for each session


 * Course Schedule **

This course consists of 8 days of training. Each training is approximately 4 hours.


 * ** Session ** || ** Topics ** || ** Activities (under construction) ** ||
 * Day 1 || * Inspiration interface, menu, toolbar and toolbox features
 * Inspiration templates
 * diagrams, concept maps, and outlines
 * Model how to navigate Inspiration
 * Explore templates
 * Create a diagram, concept map, and/or outline || * Model how to navigate Inspiration
 * Explore templates
 * Create a diagram, concept map, and/or outline lesson ||
 * Day 2 || * Inspiration templates
 * Inspiration graphic organizers
 * List ways that templates can be used for instruction
 * Create a graphic organizer to use as part of a lesson
 * Design a graphic organizer for students to use as an activity || * List ways that templates can be used for instruction
 * Create a graphic organizer to use as part of a lesson
 * Design a graphic organizer for students to use as an activity ||
 * Day 3 || * basic features of Kidspiration
 * Kidspiration templates
 * Browse and practice using the tools and features of Kidspiration
 * Browse through and modify the pre-designed templates
 * Brainstorm ways that Kidspiration can be used for instructional lessons and activities
 * Make a template for students to use in the classroom || * Browse and practice using the tools and features of Kidspiration
 * Browse through and modify the pre-designed templates
 * Brainstorm ways that Kidspiration can be used for instructional lessons and activities
 * Make a template for students to use in the classroom ||
 * Day 4 || * reading and writing tools in Kidspiration
 * pictures, symbols, and word guides
 * lesson plans
 * reading and writing activities
 * Browse Kidspiration’s reading and writing tools
 * Explore ready made activities for students to use
 * Create reading and writing lessons and activities for teaching and learning || * Browse Kidspiration’s reading and writing tools
 * Explore ready made activities for students to use
 * Create reading and writing lessons and activities for teaching and learning ||
 * Day 5 || * Clicker 5 interface, toolbars, and menu
 * Clicker writer and clicker grid
 * Model how Clicker 5 works
 * Demonstrate how to save, edit, and create using Clicker 5
 * Explore talking books: read and create using pictures and words || * Model how Clicker 5 works
 * Demonstrate how to save, edit, and create using Clicker 5
 * Explore talking books: read and create using pictures and words ||
 * Day 6 || * Clicker Grid features
 * ready made grids
 * Clicker Grid
 * Navigate through the software program to identify the basic features of Clicker Grids
 * Search to find ready made grids for teacher and student use
 * Create a Clicker Grid using words, pictures and/or video || * Navigate through the software program to identify the basic features of Clicker Grids
 * Search to find ready made grids for teacher and student use
 * Create a Clicker Grid using words, pictures and/or video ||
 * Day 7 || * Clicker Writer
 * Story writing
 * Browse the Clicker Writer features
 * Create a story
 * Develop a list of simple steps to teach students how to create a story || * Browse the Clicker Writer features
 * Create a story
 * Develop a list of simple steps to teach students how to create a story ||
 * Day 8 || * Lessons with read and writing stories
 * Clicker 5 center activities
 * Differentiating strategies for using Clicker 5
 * Write a reading or writing lesson that integrates Clicker 5
 * Create a center activity for students
 * Write a lesson plan that differentiates based on the needs of the students || * Write a reading or writing lesson that integrates Clicker 5
 * Create a center activity for students
 * Write a lesson plan that differentiates based on the needs of the students ||
 * Write a lesson plan that differentiates based on the needs of the students ||


 * Evaluation **
 * At the end of this course you will be asked to complete a short evaluation to assess the effectiveness of this course and make improvements for future courses. **


 * Students with Disabilities **

American Disabilities Act
Please contact Ms. Ann Bauman at 301-279-3361 with questions. To request an accommodation or modification under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008, use [|MCPS From 270-6, Employee/Member of the Public Request for ADA Accommodation/Modification] (130K PDF) [|MCPS Nondiscrimination Statement]