problem based learning activity

Problem Based Problem Based Learning ActivityLearning Activity

Eric ColeEric ColeSemesters Fall 2008-Spring 2009Semesters Fall 2008-Spring 2009Culminates in a Parent Night for Orientation to Culminates in a Parent Night for Orientation to NC Online Test of Computer Skills on May 21, NC Online Test of Computer Skills on May 21,

2009.2009.

Initial ProblemInitial Problem► My quest for a PBLA began in early fall of 2008 after My quest for a PBLA began in early fall of 2008 after

a disastrous multimedia failure during a a disastrous multimedia failure during a presentation by the Superintendent Ira Trollinger presentation by the Superintendent Ira Trollinger before the entire McDowell County Public Schools before the entire McDowell County Public Schools teaching staff.teaching staff.

► Our local complaints about the antiquated condition Our local complaints about the antiquated condition of the multimedia infrastructure finally affected a of the multimedia infrastructure finally affected a meeting, and Principal Greg Hughes was instructed meeting, and Principal Greg Hughes was instructed to prepare a plan for various levels of affordable to prepare a plan for various levels of affordable multimedia upgrades. multimedia upgrades.

► With my involvement in the ultimate process and With my involvement in the ultimate process and having me as an Intern, Mr. Hughes allowed me to having me as an Intern, Mr. Hughes allowed me to take the lead on this activity.take the lead on this activity.

Initial Bad OmensInitial Bad Omens► My ability to meet and discuss the plan with the My ability to meet and discuss the plan with the

Technology Director went nowhere. Shortly after Technology Director went nowhere. Shortly after this project began, the Director announced he had this project began, the Director announced he had taken a job with NC DPI. I was told to put any taken a job with NC DPI. I was told to put any activity or questions on hold until a new Director activity or questions on hold until a new Director was in place.was in place.

► In March I met with the new Director and discussed In March I met with the new Director and discussed the upgrades. He was in agreement that it was a the upgrades. He was in agreement that it was a consideration and agreed to keep me “in the loop” consideration and agreed to keep me “in the loop” on the next step after he met with the Associate on the next step after he met with the Associate Superintendent.Superintendent.

► A week later I was told the project was scrubbed A week later I was told the project was scrubbed indefinitely due to Budget constraints.indefinitely due to Budget constraints.

A New PlanA New Plan► In March I undertook a new project for Mr. In March I undertook a new project for Mr.

Hughes. Our scores on the 2007-2008 Hughes. Our scores on the 2007-2008 School Report Card reflected a 71.4 % School Report Card reflected a 71.4 % passing rate for the NC Online Test of passing rate for the NC Online Test of Computer Skills: a score well below the local Computer Skills: a score well below the local and State average.and State average.

► I began planning a Parent Night Orientation I began planning a Parent Night Orientation meeting to provide parents with information meeting to provide parents with information about the NCOToCS and how to access about the NCOToCS and how to access preparation for it.preparation for it.

The Need EstablishedThe Need Established► Traditionally the score reported on this test has Traditionally the score reported on this test has

been in the low 70% passing. My data form the been in the low 70% passing. My data form the actual number of students passing the test by May actual number of students passing the test by May 2008, versus the total number tested reflects a 2008, versus the total number tested reflects a passing rate of 83% of the 8passing rate of 83% of the 8thth Grade tested so I am Grade tested so I am not certain about the State data and where it was not certain about the State data and where it was gathered. gathered.

► Regardless of the actual number, a large portion of Regardless of the actual number, a large portion of students were very close to passing and did not. I students were very close to passing and did not. I feel that with some information and practice up feel that with some information and practice up front, they possibly would pass.front, they possibly would pass.

► Our Band students get no exposure to Computer Our Band students get no exposure to Computer Skills Elective classes in the 7Skills Elective classes in the 7thth or 8 or 8thth Grades. Grades.

Framework for my Plan of Framework for my Plan of ActionAction

► Establish need for orientationEstablish need for orientation► Survey students for computer and Internet access.Survey students for computer and Internet access.► Communicate information to the Parents and Teachers in Communicate information to the Parents and Teachers in

Elementary and Junior High School about the test through a Elementary and Junior High School about the test through a public orientation and forum.public orientation and forum.

► Continue Open Lab Hours from 7-7:45 AM and 2:45-3:30 PM to Continue Open Lab Hours from 7-7:45 AM and 2:45-3:30 PM to allow access to computers and tutoring.allow access to computers and tutoring.

► Include the Public Library in the orientation of information and Include the Public Library in the orientation of information and request that they download and install the NC Desk program request that they download and install the NC Desk program and Practice Files on their computers to allow practice from and Practice Files on their computers to allow practice from that community location.that community location.

► Encourage teachers at both the Elementary and Junior High Encourage teachers at both the Elementary and Junior High School level to integrate NC Desk into their lesson designsSchool level to integrate NC Desk into their lesson designs

Student Computer Survey Student Computer Survey DataData

Of 596 7Of 596 7thth, 8, 8thth and 9 and 9thth grade students surveyed: grade students surveyed:

Number of students with access to computers at Number of students with access to computers at home - 444 or 75%home - 444 or 75%

Number of students with access to the Internet at Number of students with access to the Internet at home - 398 or 67%home - 398 or 67%

Of those with Internet Access, the number with High Of those with Internet Access, the number with High Speed Access (Cable / DSL / Satellite) – 293 or 49%Speed Access (Cable / DSL / Satellite) – 293 or 49%

The Orientation ProgramThe Orientation Program► Thursday May 21, 2009 6:30 PM Welcome to all Thursday May 21, 2009 6:30 PM Welcome to all

parents and faculty.parents and faculty.► A PowerPoint presentation providing an overview of A PowerPoint presentation providing an overview of

the test will be presented.the test will be presented.► This overview will include information regarding the This overview will include information regarding the

K-8 Cumulative nature of the test. K-8 Cumulative nature of the test. ► Standard Course of Study Technology Strands will be Standard Course of Study Technology Strands will be

presented as an overview, and information for presented as an overview, and information for finding them will be presented; however, finding them will be presented; however, examination of each grade level strand will not take examination of each grade level strand will not take place.place.

► Handouts will be made available, questions from the Handouts will be made available, questions from the floor will be addressed.floor will be addressed.

► AdjournmentAdjournment

InvitationsInvitations► May 1May 1stst, invitations will be sent out to ALL , invitations will be sent out to ALL

McDowell County Public School Staff with a McDowell County Public School Staff with a description of the program description of the program

► Letters will be sent home with rising 8Letters will be sent home with rising 8thth Grade Grade students inviting parent participation.students inviting parent participation.

► An initial “Connect Ed” will be sent describing An initial “Connect Ed” will be sent describing the event, with later follow up “Connect Ed” the event, with later follow up “Connect Ed” calls.calls.

► Subsequent email reminders to MCPS faculty Subsequent email reminders to MCPS faculty and staff.and staff.

HandoutsHandouts

North Carolina Online North Carolina Online Test of Computer Test of Computer

SkillsSkills►The test is a Graduation RequirementThe test is a Graduation Requirement►The test is a test of Computer Skills The test is a test of Computer Skills accumulated K-7accumulated K-7thth Grades Grades►The State allows the test to be The State allows the test to be administered as early as 6administered as early as 6thth Grade Grade depending on a student’s readinessdepending on a student’s readiness

What is the North Carolina What is the North Carolina Online Test of Computer Skills?Online Test of Computer Skills?

““Beginning at grade eight, all students must Beginning at grade eight, all students must meet the computer skills graduation meet the computer skills graduation requirement based on the competencies of requirement based on the competencies of the K–8 computer skills curriculum as the K–8 computer skills curriculum as defined in the North Carolina Standarddefined in the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.”Course of Study.”

http://www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/testing/computerskills/http://www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/testing/computerskills/

The test combines both multiple choice and The test combines both multiple choice and performance skills into one, comprehensive, performance skills into one, comprehensive, online Computer Skills test.online Computer Skills test.

http://www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/testing/computerskills/

Strands and Percent of Test Strands and Percent of Test Items Items

Societal/Ethical Issues 12-14%Societal/Ethical Issues 12-14%Database 22-25% Database 22-25% Spreadsheet 22-25% Spreadsheet 22-25% Keyboard Utilization/WP/DTP 18-20%Keyboard Utilization/WP/DTP 18-20%Multimedia/Presentation 10-12%Multimedia/Presentation 10-12%Telecommunications/Internet 10-12% Telecommunications/Internet 10-12% NC Standard Course of Study for Computer Skills by Grade Level. Download complete descriptions and detail.

http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/curriculum/computerskills/scos/computerskills

NC NC STANDARD COURSE OF STANDARD COURSE OF STUDYSTUDY

►KindergartenKindergarten Parts of the computer and how to operateParts of the computer and how to operate Keyboard familiarityKeyboard familiarity Grouping and sequencingGrouping and sequencing Respect for the work of othersRespect for the work of others Responsible care of resourcesResponsible care of resources Exploring multimediaExploring multimedia Observing online resources Observing online resources


►Grade 1Grade 1 Respecting computer work of othersRespecting computer work of others Using technology at home and schoolUsing technology at home and school Gathering, organizing, and displaying dataGathering, organizing, and displaying data Using word processingUsing word processing Exploring multimediaExploring multimedia Responsible care of resourcesResponsible care of resources Observing online resources Observing online resources


►Grade 2Grade 2 Using technology in the communityUsing technology in the community Respecting the computer work of othersRespecting the computer work of others Observing online resourceObserving online resource Using electronic database to locate informationUsing electronic database to locate information Responsible care of resourcesResponsible care of resources Building word processing skillsBuilding word processing skills Collecting, sorting, and displaying dataCollecting, sorting, and displaying data Exploring multimedia toolsExploring multimedia tools Using drawing toolsUsing drawing tools


►Grade 3Grade 3 Awareness of Copyright LawAwareness of Copyright Law Responsible and safe use of resourcesResponsible and safe use of resources Exploring information technologiesExploring information technologies Building word processing techniquesBuilding word processing techniques Using multimedia toolsUsing multimedia tools Exploring spreadsheetsExploring spreadsheets


►Grade 4Grade 4 Using databasesUsing databases Using spreadsheetsUsing spreadsheets Responsible and safe use of online resourcesResponsible and safe use of online resources Locating information on the InternetLocating information on the Internet Evaluating information found through Evaluating information found through

telecommunicationstelecommunications Developing word processing documentsDeveloping word processing documents Exploring e-mailExploring e-mail Identifying ways technology has changed North Identifying ways technology has changed North

CarolinaCarolina


► Grade 5Grade 5 Using search strategiesUsing search strategies Responsible and safe use of online resourcesResponsible and safe use of online resources Awareness of Copyright and Fair Use GuidelinesAwareness of Copyright and Fair Use Guidelines Exploring the need for protection against viruses and Exploring the need for protection against viruses and

vandalismvandalism Participating in curriculum-based telecommunication Participating in curriculum-based telecommunication

projectsprojects Developing word processing document using proper Developing word processing document using proper

keyboarding techniqueskeyboarding techniques Developing multimedia presentation citing sourcesDeveloping multimedia presentation citing sources Developing a product using a databaseDeveloping a product using a database Evaluating resources and information for accuracy and Evaluating resources and information for accuracy and

usefulnessusefulness Selecting and using a variety of technology toolsSelecting and using a variety of technology tools


► Grade 6Grade 6 Responsible and safe use of online resourcesResponsible and safe use of online resources Using Copyright and Fair Use guidelinesUsing Copyright and Fair Use guidelines Refining application skillsRefining application skills Using formulas in a spreadsheetUsing formulas in a spreadsheet Using search strategy two or more criteria in a databaseUsing search strategy two or more criteria in a database Increasing productivity and accuracy in keyboardingIncreasing productivity and accuracy in keyboarding Using word processing, spreadsheet, database, and Using word processing, spreadsheet, database, and

multimedia for assignments in all subject areasmultimedia for assignments in all subject areas Locating and retrieving information using Locating and retrieving information using

telecommunicationstelecommunications Evaluating resources and information for accuracy and Evaluating resources and information for accuracy and



► Grade 7Grade 7 Responsible and safe use of online resourcesResponsible and safe use of online resources Using Copyright and Fair Use GuidelinesUsing Copyright and Fair Use Guidelines Refining application skillsRefining application skills Using formulas in a spreadsheetUsing formulas in a spreadsheet Using search strategy with two or more criteria in a Using search strategy with two or more criteria in a

databasedatabase Increasing productivity and accuracy in keyboardingIncreasing productivity and accuracy in keyboarding Using word processing, spreadsheet, database, and Using word processing, spreadsheet, database, and

multimedia for assignments in all subject areasmultimedia for assignments in all subject areas Locating and retrieving information using Locating and retrieving information using

telecommunicationstelecommunications Evaluating resources and information for accuracy and Evaluating resources and information for accuracy and



►Grade 8Grade 8 Responsible and safe use of online resourcesResponsible and safe use of online resources Using Copyright and Fair Use GuidelinesUsing Copyright and Fair Use Guidelines Using spreadsheets and databases relevant to Using spreadsheets and databases relevant to

classroom assignmentsclassroom assignments Choosing charts/tables or graphs to best Choosing charts/tables or graphs to best

represent datarepresent data Conducting online research and evaluating the Conducting online research and evaluating the

information foundinformation found Using word processing/desktop publishing for Using word processing/desktop publishing for

classroom assignments/projectsclassroom assignments/projects Selecting and using a variety of technological Selecting and using a variety of technological

tools to develop projects in content areas tools to develop projects in content areas

When Do Students Test?When Do Students Test?The test is currently administered in McDowell The test is currently administered in McDowell

County in the Fall (mid October – mid County in the Fall (mid October – mid November) to all 8November) to all 8thth Grade students. Grade students.

Students who do not pass this administration Students who do not pass this administration will be allowed to retake the test in the will be allowed to retake the test in the Spring (mid March – early April.) Spring (mid March – early April.)

Students retake the test each year until they Students retake the test each year until they reach the passing score. reach the passing score.

PREPARATIONPREPARATIONOpen Lab Hours – Check your school to see when labs are open for Open Lab Hours – Check your school to see when labs are open for

tutoring and practice. East Junior High is open from 7-7:45 AM and tutoring and practice. East Junior High is open from 7-7:45 AM and 2:45-3:30 PM.2:45-3:30 PM.

STUDY ISLAND – Log in from home or school and do the Computer Skills STUDY ISLAND – Log in from home or school and do the Computer Skills exercises.exercises.

Download the NCDESK program and practice the test simulation. The Download the NCDESK program and practice the test simulation. The answers are not provided, but with a little research you can discover answers are not provided, but with a little research you can discover them.them.

Google “North Carolina Online Test of Computer Skills” on the Internet. Google “North Carolina Online Test of Computer Skills” on the Internet. Many school systems have put great efforts into guides and practice Many school systems have put great efforts into guides and practice for the test.for the test.

Learn the Vocabulary! Many questions on the test can be answered by Learn the Vocabulary! Many questions on the test can be answered by being familiar with computer terms.being familiar with computer terms.

RELAX! This test, while somewhat difficult, is not impossible to master. RELAX! This test, while somewhat difficult, is not impossible to master. If you fail the Fall administration, seek remediation and study hard If you fail the Fall administration, seek remediation and study hard for the Spring. for the Spring.

HANDOUTS & LINKSHANDOUTS & LINKSPlease take handouts.Please take handouts.

This presentation will be posted on Eric Cole’s Technology This presentation will be posted on Eric Cole’s Technology Facilitator page at East Junior High’s Webpage. Facilitator page at East Junior High’s Webpage.

Links:Links:

Download NCDESK Download NCDESK

Online Study GuideOnline Study Guide

*Downloadable Study Guide (PDF file)*Downloadable Study Guide (PDF file) Spanish version of the study guide.Spanish version of the study guide.

Test Simulation Demonstration Movie Test Simulation Demonstration Movie

An excellent source for practice and linksAn excellent source for practice and links HERE. HERE.

problem based learning activity

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