Instructional+Unit

== =Description= We were required to create an instructional unit in a virtual environment using Blackboard. I named my unit Science, which is geared towards teaching 4th through 6th grade students about Earth science. The requirements to complete this unit were as follows: one week long course(four to five lessons), syllabus, discussion boards, assessments, instructional media (Jing and Voicethread), incorporate external blogging, 'Start Here' activities, submit work through Bb, collaborating activities and resources. In all, this assignment required students to create a Bb course, design the virtual classroom, go through the process of planning and creating material to facilitate student learning in a virtual classroom environment.

=Process= The first step in completing this assignment was to chose a specific subject/topic to teach in the virtual classroom and come up with objectives and goals that I wanted my students to reach by the end of the course. Making sure the course menu was laid out in a way that students could easily access information and documents, creating the syllabus, and creating rubrics was a task in itself. After creating a list of goals for my students, I had to decide how I would help my students achieve those goals. I created worksheets that students were to complete and submit through Bb. Students were required to use the class blog to share ideas with peers as well as answer questions about a small experiment that was to be done at home. My unit also consisted of textbook readings, a review quiz, use of online graphic organizing, PowerPoint through use of Jing/Screencast and discussion board.

After plugging in all of the course assignments and content, I created a course test using test manager to assess whether students have retained key information taught in the unit.

=Reflection=

The process to complete the instructional unit was time consuming and a strenuous process for me. I have been teaching for two years in a behavioral health program, where good behavior is the main focus of our school day before lessons. My students behaviors become so severe at times that we do not complete a whole lesson most school days. Because of my lack of experience in creating actual plans, etc., I feel that I may have had a more difficult time than other students in this course.

Although creating the instructional unit was a bit difficult, I still learned alot of useful skills, the most important of all is being able to design my own virtual classroom. The blog assignment was the most interesting for me. I enjoyed designing it, adding the posts, and seeing my classmates comment on the layout and posts. EDT6020 is great for teachers who want to use technology in their profession and it gave great hands on opportunity and experience in teaching a virtual classroom.

My instructional unit syllabus--> To visit my Blackboard virtual classroom, click here

= Resources =

// Webspiration //. (2010, June). Retrieved from http://www.mywebspiration.com/

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