Module 4

Writing a Friendly Letter
Link to Flip Chart

I chose this link because it is an interactive way to teach students the 5 parts to writing a friendly letter. From past experiences, it is much easier for students to see a friendly letter while you are describing the parts to them. By showing this flipchart, students will be able to see the letter, and each part as it is added one at a time. Then the students will label all of the parts of a friendly letter at the end of the lesson. Students will be more likely to stay engaged in this lesson due to the interactive features, which means more learning will occur.

Using a flip chart to introduce a new topic is a great way for visual and auditory learners to take away the concepts being taught. The students will be seeing what you are teaching, and will be more likely to remember the information. Depending on the  hardware and software  you have in your classroom, you may be able to use flip charts to enhance your lessons. To use a flip chart, you will need an interactive board such as a Smart board, Promethean board, or an Interactive e-write board. Depending on what type of hardware you have in your classroom will determine what type of software  you will need to develop a flip chart.

Teachers are always trying to find new ways to keep their students engaged in the lesson being taught. Through research, it seems that including technology within lessons is a great way to motivate students. This is known as technology use based on problem solving. The problem is that students are often uninterested in the lesson, and lose focus. One way educators are solving this problem is by including technology within their lessons. When doing this, teachers are seeing that students are being attentive for longer amounts of time, they are motivated about learning, and they are remaining engaged throughout the lesson.

There are a few essential conditions for technology integration in schools. These include but are not limited to: coordinating school and district planning, budgeting, teacher training, matching technology to curriculum needs, and keeping current and built in flexibility. This means that there may be obstacles that come up when trying to get technology integrated into your school system. Teachers must communicate why they need the technology, and what the benefits of having technology integrated in the classroom are. Also, teachers must remember that technology integration is very costly, and it could take a period of time to happen.

When creating flipcharts to use it is important to be aware of the software support tools available for you to use. These tools include but are not limited to: Materials generators, data collection and analysis tools, graphics tools, planning and organizing tools, research and reference tools, and content-area tools. Use these tools when creating flipcharts to enhance your design and organize your information.