N.H.I. Netbooks Homework Improvement

Objectives

1. Students will use Netbooks to access information from a variety of sourses and media.
2. Students will access blogs on the schools website with their Netbooks in order to particpate in the digital learning environment.
3. Students will have access to interactive E-textbooks with their netbooks that will increase student participation and motive for learning.
4. Students will learn to organize with the digital medium that is necessary for 21st century skills.

Big Picture

Netbooks are miniature laptops that cost half of what a full size laptop costs. They are perfect for word processing, internet activity and Web 2.0 applications. Basically each student in grades 9-12 would be assigned their own netbook that they would be responsible for and take with them all day long and to home. Students would no longer need over sized heavy textbooks, or multiple worksheets to keep together in a messy jammed full backpack. Students would only need to have their tiny netbook that would replace the old 20th century learning tools. Many students in our school do not have the economic resources that encourage learning and I believe with one tool that could all change.

Application

Each student in grades 9-12 would each be assigned a netbook and procede through a 5 week instuctional course on how to operate, maintain and preserve the machines. Imagine students no longer needing to go to their lockers between period because everything they need is on the one netbook. Students would no longer have to cart around heavy backpacks full of books, all books will be digital versions that can be downloaded onto the netbooks. Every student will have wireless capability that will allow them to acquire 21st century skills and be able to apply these skills into fields that require them.

Students would learn how to access the blogs on the schools website, how to connect to wireless hot spots, and integrate e-books for Accelerated Reader and interactive textbooks for each classroom. Every student would be on a level playing field. Essays, worksheets, vocabulary lists all could be downloaded to the students netbooks for viewing and completion at a time that best suits the students. Too many students do not have a computer at home which in turn leaves to many students trailing others who do in the classroom.

Integrating Curriculum

For many teachers this is the biggest challenge, how to create a curriculum for each discipline that goes hand in hand with the other fields of education. With netbooks all classroom textbooks could be e books. All worksheets could be digital and students will not need extra instruction for how each assignment is to be completed because all classrooms will have the same software. Imagine being able to complete all your history, science, english, health, math and foreign language assignments with only one device. Education couldn't be simpler.

Lesson Plan for Global Studies 9

1. Students would view a presentation on the Renaissance while using the netbooks to type notes on the lecture to save for later use or for reference means.

2. Students would then be required to visit a website that displays jpegs of famous Renaissance art on their own netbooks at their desk. Students could share with each other the different paintings they find and could use an instant messenger service to comunicate with each other of their findings.

3. Students would then use their netbooks to post responses to the class blog with their wireless netbooks.

4. Students will be required to read their e-Textbook (digital textbook online) on the chapter of the Renaissance and answer the chapter questions that are then sent to the teachers account for grading.

5. For homework the students will review notes, re-read e textbooks and then type a one page summary of what they have learned about Renaissance art on Microsoft Word. The next day students can sahre their summaries of what they learned. If any questions arise students could access the teacher though an instant messaging software.