I have really enjoyed using google docs, and working with Jennifer on our "Shake, Rattle, and Roll" lesson plan. I will definitely use google docs in the classroom, and I hope to encourage others to use it as well.
I think collaboration in similar subject areas would be greatly beneficial to teaching. So much of what is taught in History and Geography intertwine because you cannot teach one without giving background to the other. Geography affects the development of cultures, men's accomplishment with imperialism, and so much more. Thus, many lessons can be cross referenced using collaborative lessons on google docs. Also, collaboration between different subjects could be done. For example, the plan that Jeniffer and I did is on plate tectonics covers much of the same material in Biology. Biology focuses more on the process rather than the effects on people. Or, when teaching an English class on "The Crucible", a lesson could be tweaked for a History lesson on Early New England Colonies. Students will need an understanding in the background of that time period in order to understand the hysteria that followed the first accusation.
I am becoming less and less overwhelmed by these computer tools the more I use them and recognize their potential for aiding with instruction.
About Me
- Kristin Trammell
- I am a student at UT about to enter my internship year at Anderson County High school. I have a major in Geography with minors in History and Business. In addition to being a student, for the last four years I have worked at Agri Feed Pet Supply as the aquatics manager. I am extremely passionate about education and hard work. My interests include fishing, hiking, cooking, eating , reading, and movies.
Both you and Zack have got me thinking how much more meaningful the "Curriculum Connection" was for folks who worked on an interdisciplinary team. It added a whole new level of collaboration to the task, and it added more relevancy than ever to the use of GoogleDocs. I am thinking of teachers who want to do interdisciplinary lesson planning but who work on separate floors or wings in the school building. F2f meeting times are even more at a premium than if you were collaborating with someone in your content area or department.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you are making those connections -- thanks for pushing me in my own thinking on this and how I will facilitate this project with future sections of TPTE 486.