Professional Work Examples

MIT
500

MIT 512 Computer Applications in Education

Context
”A Nutrition Adventure for Sixth Graders” was generated within the context of MIT 512:  Computer Applications in Education.  The project is a web-based unit for teachers, including a WebQuest for students.  All of the materials are based on the NC Standards of Curriculum for sixth grade as well as the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS).  

Conditions
This project was an extension of discussions I have been having with a good friend about the epidemic of obesity, and wanting to create an educational product to combat the trend.  This project gave me great opportunity to research what is out there in this realm, in terms of websites, books, videos, and television programs.

The project began with the creation of a Unit Plan, which we then translated into the actual curriculum materials.  Several rubrics are part of the unit, as well as a comprehensive teacher evaluation at the end.  I incorporated several links and a few off-the-shelf components for which I gave due credit.  All of the images were taken from a royalty free site for images and clipart.

Scope
Although, I have not considered offering the Unit to teachers in the real world, I think it is good enough to be implemented in a classroom.  At this point, I will save it as a springboard for continued planning with my friend about creating a unique, audio/visual, interactive tool that promotes healthy lifestyles to young people.

Role
Other than bouncing ideas off of my MIT 512 colleagues, I acted independently as the Instructional Designer and Developer.  One requirement of the course was to create two Web Evaluation forms, one for students and one for teachers. I participated in a group on this assignment, and the experience helped me immensely as I was generating the Nutrition Unit’s Evaluation form for teachers.

Reflection
The Nutrition Unit was the third experience I have had with writing curriculum, and I feel my confidence growing in terms of matching objectives with content of instruction.  I find great satisfaction in generating lessons because education is my passion and composing instructional materials allows my creativity to flow. Now what I really need, to round out my knowledge and skills, is experience in the classroom.

View "Nutrition Adventure for Sixth Graders"

Site by Suesan Sullivan, UNCW MIT Student
Last Update 10/20/06
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