Patty Chiles
Douglas School
Springfield, Illinois
Activity 3c was to incorporate one of the emerging technologies we reviewed in activity 3b into a mini-lesson. For me the VRML technology seemed the most complicated, yet the most interesting. What I would really like to do would be to have my students create a "computer VRML tour" of the school building.
As new students come to Douglas throughout the year our building principal goes over all of the district rules and regulations with each child. I know our principal would love to be able to conclude the intake session with a "guided tour" she could offer right from her computer.
This project would take more than one or two lessons. The lesson I have given for this assignment would be an introduction to VRML to my students. We all have to start somewhere!
Introduction to VRML technology
Lesson objective: To aquire basic knowledge of the capabilities of VRML technology.
Materials needed: Macintosh computer loaded with Quick Time, Internet capabilities, LTV hookup, television, digital camera with tripod, turntable, art object, individual from the District technology department, open minds.
Preparation: Ahead of time schedule the District
technology person who is in charge of VRML. The teacher should
preselect and bookmark sites that make creative and varied use of
VRML. There are numerous sites available. These should be previewed
before showing to your students. As with everything on the Internet
there are also VRML equipped sites that are very offensive. The
majority are very educational and worth your time to investigate.
Lesson:
Asks students if they have played or viewed the game Doom. Ask students if they could give a tour of anywhere or any place in the world where would it be. Write suggestions on the board.
Using your LTV hookup go to the sites you have already book marked. Show the students varied examples of the use of VRML. Ask students how long they think it will take before VRML capabilities will be available for schools to use. Now show previously book marked sites of projects done by other schools! Discuss what projects your class could come up with.
Introduce the technology person from the district. The technology person should be able to demonstrate the digital camera. Have your "art object" ready to place on the turntable. Ask what advantages it provides to be able to see things 3-D.
Have the technology person demonstrate the steps needed to create a VRML image of your "art object". At a later date, after the "art object" project is processed, show the results to your class.
Discuss with your students the possibility of making a guided "tour" of their school building. Ask what would be needed. Ask what they should plan for. Ask what permission will need to be given.
I think after an introduction of what VRML is and the realization that we have the needed equipment students will be able to generate numerous suggestions for projects.
An introduction to VRML is a simple lesson. To actually produce a VRML project would take planning. Thought would need to be given as to how to have students share in the process. A teacher would either need the equipment and expertise herself or be able to contact personnel who did.
In regards to ethics and legalities care should be taken to follow your district's policies. If in any doubt about your project I would suggest you get approval prior to beginning it. I would like for my students to create a guided tour of Douglas. I am sure my district would want to be certain that the school was presented in a positive light.
Assessing the use of technology can be done. You may wish to create your own assessment rubric. Think in the same lines as you would for any project. Assess for comprehension, basic skills, creativity, finished product, group participation.
I believe that technology itself reaches out to the diversity of learners. Each student can contribute and learn from the style that is most beneficial to him/her.
My students get excited when they can type a poem on ClarisWorks and see the printed results. They practically fight over computer time. I can only imagine how enthused they would be with the chance to use any of the newer technologies that are on the market. Myself.....I can't even wait just to let them explore all of the VRML sites that are already out there.
"There is no place like home. There is no place like home."