Vidcast Reflection

Our vidcast addresses Third grade science Standard 1: Students will understand that the shape of Earth and the moon are spherical and that Earth rotates on its axis to produce the appearance of the sun and moon moving through the sky. Objective 1: Describe the appearance of Earth and the moon.

We chose it because we thought it would be a fun and visual way to introduce the beginning studies of the Earth and moon. We had an idea to use different types of spheres that third graders would recognize in order to activate their own schema about what a sphere is. We then gave them a visual of how the earth and moon are constantly spinning, again in a way that would activate their own schema, before showing them a video of the earth and moon spinning.
This assignment met the INTASC Standard 2: Planning curriculum and designing instruction to enhance student learning. Objective 1: Demonstrate knowledge of content. Our vidcast demonstrated that we understood that the earth and moon are both spheres and that they are constantly spinning and rotating. Objective 3: Connect curricula to students development and cultural background. We did this when we used visuals the students would recognize to help them connect what they already know with what we were trying to teach them.

We also met INTASC Standard 3: Engage and support all students in learning. Objective 1: Use research-based instructional strategies to enhance student learning of content. This was done when we used the students own schema to help them connect the new information to what they already know.

The NETS Standards we met using the same teaching theories of connecting schemas and engaging students with familiar knowledge first, all through digital means. The NETS standards are as follows:

Standard 2: Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments.

A. Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.

C. customize and personalize learning activities to address students’ diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources.

Standard 4: Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility

A. demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations.

There was one main drawback we could see in using a vidcast in the classroom. Putting together a high quality vidcast with accurate and pertinent information can be very time consuming. You have to figure out how you want to use the vidcast, then find the information you want to use and then put it all together. Creating a lesson plan through the core curriculum takes time a preparation on all accounts. However, as a beginning teacher creating lesson plan files, once you have it done you could use it year after year, as with any lesson material.

As our vidcast on the rotation of the Earth and moon is an introduction to content, our future plans on the unit include a more in depth instruction on why the Earth rotates and how our world would be different if the Earth, Moon, and Sun were not orbiting as they are. Affects include changes in seasons, sunlight and darkness, hours of the day, etc. Other topics discussed in the unit under this standard include the physical natures of the earth, moon and stars.

The topic can be complex, but for third graders to retain the information we think it would be beneficial to simplify the information and present it in visual ways related to their common interests. By beginning the unit as we did with our vidcast, students will be more attentive to the future facts on the topic presented in different ways relevant to their lives and the schema already present.