7th Grade IML
What do we learn?
CollaborationThe first few weeks of 7th grade IML we spend learning how to work collaboratively, as this is a skill students will need from now into adulthood. We do this through several different activities showing students the difference between just working side by side and truly collaborating and sharing ideas with one another. At the end of this unit I have students work in groups to make a short video on an animation program called GoAnimate.
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Data CollectionSince my class is technology driven, we explore some computer based tools for data collection, such as Google Forms and Google Sheets (similar to Excel). I have students formulate survey questions on a proposed topic to gather data from the school. We then take this data, analyze it, and use it to support their opinions on their topic. It's actually a fun way to approach the topic of data collection and evidence!
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Audience PersuasionTowards the second half of IML, we get more into the "media" part of information and media literacy. In order to build student's knowledge of the persuasive power of the media, I educate them on taking a stance and backing it up with sound reasoning. We do several in class activities to learn the art of persuasion as well as what it means to respectfully disagree with someone else's ideas (which ties nicely back into collaboration!)
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What are students graded on?
CreativityCreativity is exactly what it sounds like! I grade students on how well they use creative thinking in their work. We want students to be able to use their own thoughts and ideas to create something that is all their own. By exploring their creative side, students build their knowledge base while also expressing themselves.
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CollaborationCollaboration is much more than just "cooperation." I strive to teach my students true collaboration, not just how to work side by side with peers. True collaboration is about the sharing of ideas as well as splitting up the work load. My IML students are graded on how well they can collaborate with their peers, so we do a lot of group projects. I grade each student individually on how well they contributed to the success of the group.
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Critical Thinking & CommunicationCritical thinking and communication are the two standards that are linked together in the online grade book. In IML, I help build students' critical thinking skills by giving them the chance to problem solve independently as well as with peers. The communication part of this standard is not about how they work with others, but how they communicate information or a message to other people. It's similar to speaking and listening grades that they receive in other classes, but with a technology twist to it.
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These learning standards come from the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). To read more about them, click the button below to be taken to the ISTE website.