Jane Abel
Standards: Standard III

 


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Standard III

Task Appropriate Tools in Problem-Solving

Use task-appropriate tools to synthesize knowledge, create and modify solutions, and evaluate results in a way that supports the work of individuals and groups in problem-solving situations.

Reflection:

Problem solving has had such a different meaning for me through my years of teaching Computer Science. I have always viewed it as a creative process, often more an art than a science, but never has it been as visual as it is in Tech Aps courses. Writing technical documentation and specifications is familiar territory. Even though I have had lots of experience with rubrics, learning to create and apply a rubric to effectively evaluate creative products instead of program logic has been a true educational experience. I think I am actually getting there.


Caption 10

Applying knowledge of concepts to create a quality product that is useful in our everyday world is a gratifying way of synthesizing knowledge. Looking beyond mechanical steps for using software and satisfying technical specifications to applying recognized design principles improves the appearance and the readability of the final product.

Indicators: I, II, III, IV, V, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 7.10, 7.11, 7.12, 7.13, 7.14, 7.15, 7.16, 7.17, 7.18, 7.19, 7.20, 7.21, 7.22, 7.23, 7.24, 7.25, 7.27, 7.28, 7.29, 7.30, 7.31, 7.33, 7.34, 7.35, 7.36, 7.37, 7.38, 7.39, 7.40, 7.41, 7.42, 7.43, 7.44, 7.45, 7.46, 7.47, 7.48, 7.49, 8.7, 8.9, 8.20, 8.43, 8.45, 9.8, 9.20, 9.24, 9.36, 9.39, 9.42, 10.34, 11.9, 11.12, 11.16, 11.17, 11.18, 11.19, 11.21, 11.23, 11.24, 11.25, 11.26, 11.27, 11.30, 11.33, 11.35, 11.39

Artifact #10

Descriptors: Scanning, file compression, principles of design, digital graphic design for the agency logo, font selection, screen capture of an image, use of software help files, develop instructional materials, write specifications, develop a rubric for evaluation, use editing techniques, use a variety of tools to publish information (PDF and web), Web page design, validate instructional materials.


Title: Desktop Publishing Lesson, Create a Letterhead

Course: TATC 104 Desktop Publishing

Date Created: February, 2003

Source: Prior knowledge of components of a letterhead, scanning techniques, digital graphic design techniques, help files in Microsoft Word, and design principles from The Non-designers Design Book by Robin Williams.

Media: School Viking logo, Scanner, Photoshop Elements, Microsoft Word and its help files, Macromedia Dreamweaver MX, Internet Access, Acrobat
Distiller


Description: The assignment was to choose one item from a list of topic studies and write a lesson plan teaching how to create it. Instructions emphasized that the plan should have examples of the product to be created and that the handouts for the lesson should model the concepts being taught. The lesson had to be published in a universally accessible file format, and the sample product was to be linked to a web page for the lesson plan.

Specific product requirements were:

  • Objective of the unit or lesson
  • Teacher tools and supplies list
  • Concepts and TEKS applications
  • Sample product of lesson
  • Terms utilized in lesson
  • Procedures used in instruction
  • Assessment tool (application assessment is suggested; however, an objective assessment tool will be acceptable also)

The finished product was required to have appropriate notation for:

  • Sources used
  • Software requirements
  • Hardware requirements
  • Classroom instruction time for the unit
  • Classroom lab time for student work
  • Auxiliary applications for modifications, G/T students, etc.

Rationale: I have chosen this Letterhead lesson plan as an artifact for Standard III because it strongly supports the objectives of Standard III. Using design concepts that have been studied in creating useful products not only helps students internalize knowledge, it makes them aware of how widely applicable those principles are.

Developing a reasonably complete packet of teaching materials for one project, including specifications, helpful resources, a vocabulary study, modifications for students with varying capabilities, teacher notes, and an evaluation rubric, was a good experience for me.

Implications for future: This assignment supports the work of a group of teachers through collaborative effort. By having each of us develop a lesson plan and post it to be shared with the group, we each have a portfolio of excellent Desktop Publishing lessons to choose from in the future. Using concepts and skills is far different from teaching them to students. The experience gained in writing a very complete lesson plan in a new teaching discipline will serve me well in the future.


Reviewer's Comments: Your lesson is looking great so far.

Reviewer's Name: Debbie Birdsong

Title: TATC Colleague

Date Reviewed: February 6, 2003


Reviewer's Comments: Your lesson unit is really coming along. That looks good!

Reviewer's Name: Diana Saenz

Title: TATC Colleague

Date Reviewed: February 12, 2003


Note: These were rather benign comments since I posted incomplete work on the deadline and finished later. This course ended between a two-day and a three-day in service for the district's Computer Science teachers that cut deeply into my TATC work time. To show how desperate I was for time, I actually turned down an invitation for dinner and visiting time with the Chief Reader of the AP Computer Science Exam.

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