The American Dream ... myth or reality?

1. TheAmericanDream...mythor reality? American Studies West Valley High School Ron Zimmerman U.S. History Instructor

2. My Expectations My expectations for CTAP 295 • increase my computer technology skills • HTML, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Presentations software and skills • integrate a variety of media into a learning unit • work with colleagues to develop and implement an integrated thematic unit

3. Actual Learning Results In CTAP 295, I learned… • more advanced HTML, additional skills and shortcuts in Word, Excel and PowerPoint • the value of preparing resources ahead and planning for computer hardware, software, and Internet failures • working with colleagues on an integrated unit takes ample planning time and reflection time to work out the bugs

4. Implementation successes and shortcomings • Lesson successes • Student interest was very high at the beginning of the lesson • Students liked not starting out a History class in the traditional manor • Teacher enthusiasms was very high

5. Shortcomings • Initial planning was adequate but more planning was needed for the end of the unit. • Student equipment was not working properly or not setup yet, which worked against the project. • Students failed to follow directions and as a result missed some of the units objectives.

6. Student Data

7. Student Data… • On average student performance went down from the initial American Dream quiz to the American Dream project. The class average dropped from 88% to 82% from the quiz to the project. • One reason student performance might have gone down was because the quiz was an individual effort and the project was a cooperative effort. • In addition, the project was far more involved and several students had major technical difficulties in completing their projects

8. Reflections and revisions • Overall the American Dream project was a success, but major revisions should be made for future use. • The most important revision would be to make sure that all students have easy access to the necessary equipment to complete the assignment within the guidelines. • Project expectations and outcomes need to be more clearly stated and reinforced during the unit.

9. In conclusion... • The unit was a success in teaching the students how to use PowerPoint, the Internet, and other audio/video programs. • Teacher preparation and having the necessary equipment on hand and working is a requirement for successful use of computer technology.