Wicked Problem Part B

Do you ever wonder how to make teaching reading more interesting and motivating for students?  This is a wicked problem for all teachers, especially those teaching Language Arts and focusing on reading comprehension.  My podcast addresses some of these concerns and hopefully how implementing a technology resource, such as PowerPoint or Google Prezi will help solve this wicked problem.  When addressing the TPACK model, students will need to have technological knowledge of how to research using the Internet and also use PowerPoint presentation.  The content knowledge addressed are in the areas of Reading and Science.  I will use these resources to support my teaching and help my students be successful with this project.  The PowerPoint or Google presentations would then be a way for students to present their information in a motivating way and would be used as a form of authentic assessment.

The TPACK Solution using TECHNOLOGY, as shown in the Podcast below.
 "Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) is a framework that identifies the knowledge teachers need to teach effectively with technology." (www.tpack.org) 
The Content Knowledge to be covered in this lesson covers multiple curricular areas.  It includes the heart of the matter, which is Language Arts and more specifically nonfiction reading and writing.  It is expected the students are able to identify nonfiction text features in their own reading and writing before creating their own text.  Science and the study of the solar system is also covered within this lesson and this unit immediately grabs the attention of the students because of the innate curiosity that comes along with learning about the solar system and beyond. 
The Pedagogical Knowledge in this lesson comes along with the management of technology within the classroom and making sure students are engaged, on task, and using the research tools appropriately and respectfully. We have compared and contrasted nonfiction and informational texts and the students are very familiar with book report formats and guidelines, but the fact they will be incorporating technology in order to share the information, will be that much more exciting.  As the teacher, I will model how to research online and provide the students with recommended research sites and tools for taking notes.  The research and creation of the PowerPoint presentation will take place in the classroom and it is important for teachers to model, model, model, in order to set students up for success.
The Technological Knowledge is evident through the PowerPoint presentation.  However, it is important for the success of this project, for students and teachers to know how to use technology efficiently and effectively.  I said it previously and I will say it again...as a teacher, you must model, model, model.  I am fortunate to have a projector in my classroom and am able to display what I am doing on the computer to the kids.  I will take them step by step through the creation of a PowerPoint, focusing on creating the text first and then incorporating images, transitions, sound, etc.  Additional effects can be added, such as narration and videos.  When students are participating in hands-on learning, especially when integrating technology, they are much more likely to be engaged and enjoying what they are doing. 
Each of these areas need to be in place in order for this project to be effective and for students to feel successful with these nonfiction presentations.