TIP PROFILE

School:	Hanau Middle School

TIP Title: Links in Learning

Participation: Pilot Teacher

Project Starting Date:	01-SEPTEMBER-1995

Completion Date:31-MAY-1996

Number of Students:120

Grades: 6

Special Populations:BR>
Student-Improvement Emphasis:

 
 Motivation
 Other: Promotes Understanding of Concepts
 Academic Performance
 Collaboration
 Study Skills
Curriculum Emphasis:

 
 Science
Instructional Strategy Emphasis:

 
 Hands-On Approach
 Cooperative Learning
 Small Group
 Individualized Instruction

Technology Types:

 
 Computer

Student Technology Applications: 
Educational Games

Teacher Technology Applications: 
 Information Management
 Simulation/Modedling
 Grading



INTERVENTION PLAN

Student Outcomes:

 At the end of this study the student will demonstrate understanding of fifteen major science concepts better by producing concept maps (IMPLEMENTATION) of each.

 At the end of this study the student will be able to show improved communication skills by participating in small group activities (PROGRAM OTHER THAN IMPLEMENTATION).

 At the end of this study the student will be able to improve in their socialization skills by working with a team (PROGRAM OTHER THAN IMPLEMENTATION).

 At the end of this study the student will be able to show improvement in concept map construction using propositions, hierarch, and cross links (IMPLEMENTATION) or using expert models (i.e. with CRESST software).

 At the end of this study the student will be able to use the software IMPLEMENTATION or a similar program to draw concept maps.
  
Teacher Outcomes:

  Teacher will learn:

  *If concept mapping is a skill which increases student learning in science.
 
  *Whether 6th grade students are able to use higher level thinking skills in drawing a concept map.

  *How long it takes for 6th graders to gain the skill of concept mapping.

  *If students can apply the concept learned through mapping to a practical situation.

Instructional Plan:


The curricular and instructional focus of this TIP is using concept maps in different curricular areas to support learning.  The students will learn the critical concepts of a concept map.  The students will work in cooperative groups to gather information and design their concept maps.  The students will develop their communication skills by presenting their concept maps.  The Internet will be accessed to find resources to support their concept maps in different circular areas.  The stdents will learn the key elements of multimedia presentations including storyboarding, script writing, use of graphics, adding sound, and information integration.  The students will use PowerPoint to aid them in designing and producing their concept maps.  The final product will be student produced concept maps to share on the World Wide Web.

Technology Support:

 1. The daisy chaining of four key boards to one monitor would support the cooperative learning concept on my TIP.

 2. Computer INSPIRATION software will support individualized concept mapping.


TIP Assessment:

 Other: Teacher Observation

 Portfolios of Student Work

 Student Demonstration of Work


Existing Resources:

 A schematic diagram on how a concept map is constructed will be distributed to each student.

 IBM computer lab availability in Room 111.  We have 25 computers connected to a server.

 A parent volunteer will assist me in the computer lab.

 Science 1 (text)

 Science 2 (text)


New Resources:

To make 4 key boards daisy chained to one monitor.  This will permit me to observe students in a group setting.  To set-up 5 computer work stations in my room to conduct this TIP.  These will become collaborative work stations.  Four to six students will simultaneously collaborate at this station. 

I would like Dr. Howard Herl at CRESST to come to Hanau Middle School to teach me how to use the software he has created.  His software is essential for the assessment of concept maps; however, his program is only used with MAC's. Dr. Herl's program automatically scores the student's concept maps.

If the above is not available for PC work then I will have to use 5 MAC's and a color printer to produce the maps the students have created.

I would also like SOFTWARE that will permit me to see on a large map all the workstations and what each student is doing at that station.

I need the program INSPIRATION; however, this software program is designed for students to use individually.  Therefore, a program needs to be developed for small group instruction.  Is this possible?

I would like to collaborate with other teachers who have or are using concept mapping in their classrooms.

A colored printer is needed to show the contributions each student has made.

Professional Development Resources

1. Assistance will be needed in using telecommunications.

2. Identification and selection of curriculum and instructional resources including video courseware and software.

3. Training in word processing and use of databases and spreadsheets.

4. Training in integration of technology into the curriculum.

5. On-line CAETI support to identify resources.

On-Going Support

The installation of 5 computer work stations hooked-up to a server in Room 207.
A parent volunteer to assist me with the work stations.  The parent should also have some knowledge on how the computer works.
The computer coordinator should be available to provide on-site assistance as needed and be available to assist me in setting-up the work stations in Room 207.
The POGO staff should provide the INSPRIATION software by Sept. 1, 1995 and find another program that could be used in a daisy chained work area with 4 students working on one map.
The concept map will be given to the Language Arts teacher who will ask his students to write a one page article on it.

Estimated time needed to design and implement your TIP

 1. Time will be needed to test the equipment and software, i.e. one prep period (45 mins.) to test the equipment, and one period to test the software.

 2. Two periods of released time will be needed to set-up the daisy chain keyboards.


Resources Needed

LAN connection
LAN connected to student workstations


IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE

AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, 1995: Make Graphics
AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, 1995: Collect Literature
AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, 1995: Develop Lesson Plan
SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, DECEMEMBER, 1995: Present Lessons
JANUARY, FEBURARY, MARCH, APRIL, MAY, JUNE, 1996: Present Lessons