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.
Personal
Reflection:
This
particular portion of the TA Standards is definitely something that is
very important to a teacher. The ability to gather, organize, synthesize
and modify activities to produce the expected results is a learned skill
that has been reinforced in this activity. A lot of work goes into this
planning and preparation and it has been a great opportunity to be able
to share and compare activities with my classmates.
TEKS
TA Indicators: Standard III, V, 7.2s, 7.4s, 7.13s, 7.14s, 7.16s,
7.17s, 7.18s, 7.19s, 7.21s, 7.22s, 7.24s, 7.30s, 7.36s, 7.37s, 7.38s,
7.44s, 7.47s, 7.49s, 8.1s, 8.22s, 8.23s, 8.33s, 8.40s, 8.43s, 8.44s, 8.47s,
11.1s, 11.7s, 11.17s, 11.21s, 11.24s, 11.30s
Descriptors: Digital Graphics, Elements of Design, Desktop Publishing, Multimedia
Title: Desktop Publishing Business Card Unit
Course: TATC 104 Desktop Publishing
Date Created: February 2003
Source: The Non Designer's Design Book, assigned reading and personal knowledge.
Media: Photoshop and Dreamweaver
Description: Students were required to prepare a unit to be provided to students that covered one of these following styles of publication:
| Newsletter | Envelope |
| Brochure | Invitation |
| Letterhead | Business Card |
| Flyer Announcement | Greeting Card |
| Manuscripts |
Our objectives were outlined as follows:
1. Objective of the unit or
lesson
2. Teacher tools and supplies list
3. Concepts and TEKS applications
4. Sample product of lesson
5. Terms utilized in lesson
6. Procedures used in instruction
7. Assessment tool (application assessment is suggested; however, an objective
assessment tool will be acceptable also)
We were required
to include:
1. Sources used
2. Software requirements
3. Hardware requirements
4. Classroom instruction time for the unit
5. Classroom lab time for student work
6. Auxiliary applications for modifications, G/T students, etc.
Rationale: I decided to include this particular product for this standard because we were keeping the audience in mind throughout the activity. The following list of activities that I incorporated shows the entire process:
- chose and planned an appropriate lesson plan to help students of a particular school age to utilize appropriate desktop publishing techniques,
- prepared handouts and examples of work for students to utilize to get a vision of what they were going to be creating,
- prepared a vocabulary list for the students and a key for the teacher to introduce and reinforce desktop publishing terms and concepts,
- prepared and provided a logo handout and business card handout for the students to use when preparing the final product,
- provided an estimated amount of time that the students would need in instruction and preparation to complete the project,
- sited sources,
- provide an assessment tool for teachers to use and apply to their student work,
- provided the entire project in a web page format so that all materials are readily available and accessible.
Implications for future:
It's not easy to put lessons
together like the one I just listed above. It was difficult to get everything
organized, synthesized and uploaded correctly. I do believe that the ability
to share these lessons is a great experience and I hope to share more
with others in the future.
I really would like to become more organized and have more of a drive to make these types of projects because they are so beneficial to prepare and share.
Reviewers Comments:
Mary-Dawn Hudspeth(TATC Participant) "Your unit lessons are very well thought out and easy to understand. I especially like your instruction for the Business Card & Logo. The instructions map out every step which should help students to stay on task and feel confident about the assignment. Also, your evaluation is excellent. I like how you stress that the logo needs to be seen first instead of the person's name. You also stress using attractive colors, appropriate fonts and the alignment of items.
You did such a nice job on your unit. I will be able to use some of your ideas with my students. Thanks for sharing these ideas with us." (02/13/03)
Thelia A. Lisle (TATC Participant) "The layout of
your website is great. I love the 3 business cards you used as a top border
for it, and the navigation is very easy to follow.
Your instruction handout is well organized, and the graphics and great." (02/10/03)
Katie Favara (TATC Mentor) "As usual, you did a
wonderful job on the assignment. All examples were professional and creative.
I got confused in one area. When looking at the student handout for for
the logo and card, I initially thought I should be reading down each column
as different assignments (because of the title). Maybe not use columns,
or just move the title to the left or centered over the whole assignment."
(02/10/03)