EDUC 6305: Online Graphics

For this assignment, we were asked to compare the 4th and 8th grade average reading scores for West Virginia with the national averages from 2003-2007, utilizing National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores, as documented by the National Center for Educational Statistics.

We were then asked to make comparative charts relating this information, by accessing the graphing tools at Kids' Zone.

Click here to see a document presenting the information within the first chart from the perspective of the head of the statewide reading initiative, and the second from the perspective of a concerned parent, going before the state legislature to respectively increase and question the use of funds for the statewide reading initiatives.

From this activity, I've become rather concerned myself with regard to the reading standards and initiatives within West Virginia, and nationally. The scores are not good, and while national scores at least appear to be improving marginally, West Virginia average scores have declined and plateaued.

The tools used within this activity could easily be adapted for classroom use, particularly for use in presentation-oriented projects. Additionally, these tools might be used effectively for cross-curricular activities, particularly in the fields of math, business, English, science, and history.

TPACK

Teaching English requires the integration of current, historic, and developing linguistic and literary events, topics, and movements into the class. The cited content theme of Score Tracking (CK), while not immediately relevant to the English curriculum or content field, can be established and maintained in my lectures, presentations, and research activities (P), in order to pursue cross-curricular instructional avenues. Online organization and accessibility of my visual tools (T), and those of my students, can greatly assist me in creating and using instructional methods/materials.

Relation to standards

The process of developing online graphics and diagrams relates to several ISTE NETS standards, primarily #1 Facilitate and inspire student creativity and innovation by engaging students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources.; #2: Design and develop digital age learning experiences by providing students with multiple and varied formative and summative assessments; and #3: Model Digital-Age Work and Learning by collaborating with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation.

Integration

As an English Teacher I will be required to teach English language and literature, as well as work collaboratively with peers. The quality of my classroom facilitation and inherent presentations may be improved by the systematic collection, development, archiving, and retrieving of electronic resources including graphic representations.