Instructional Software

Lesson Idea Name: Who Am I?

Content Area: English/ Language Arts
Grade Level(s): 5th

Content Standard Addressed:

ELAGSEKW7 With guidance and support, participate in shared research and writing projects (e.g., explore a
number of books by a favorite author and express opinions about them).

Technology Standard Addressed: 3 – Knowledge Constructor

Students critically curate a variety of resources using digital tools to construct knowledge, produce creative
artifacts and make meaningful learning experiences for themselves and others.

Selected Technology Tool: BrainPop.com

URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable): https://www.brainpop.com/english/famousauthorsandbooks/

Type of Instructional Software:

☐ Drill and Practice ☒ Tutorial ☐ Simulation ☐ Instructional Game ☐ e-books/e-references

Features of this software (check all that apply):

☐ Assessment Monitoring/Reporting
☐ Allows teacher to create customized lessons for students
☐ Multi-user or collaborative functions with others in the class
☐ Multi-user or collaborative with others outside the class
☒ Accessible to students beyond the school day
☒ Accessible via mobile devices
☒ Multiple languages
☒ Safety, security and/or privacy features

Bloom’s Taxonomy Level(s):

☒ Remembering ☒ Understanding ☐ Applying ☐ Analyzing ☐ Evaluating ☐ Creating

Levels of Technology Integration (LoTi Level): (Select the one best level)
☐ Level 1: Awareness ☐ Level 2: Exploration ☐ Level 3: Infusion ☒ Level 4: Integration
☐ Level 5: Expansion ☐ Level 6: Refinement

Universal Design for Learning (UDL):

For the English as a Second Language students within the class, this assignment will be extremely
beneficial because they can draw their information from the ESL videos on BrainPop. This assignment will also
be enjoyable for them, because if their family practices multiple cultures at home they can choose to do their
project on an author who also practices their same culture. This is a great form of expression that would also
involve their families, since parents and other siblings can further practice the English language while
watching the video with them and helping them with their project. Students will also receive a deeper
understanding of the content since they can also access the videos from home, and rewind and re-watch the
videos as many times as they need.

Spring 2018_SJB
 Instructional Software
Lesson idea implementation:
The BrainPop English/Language Arts “Famous Authors and Books” section will be used as a bank of people
that students can choose an author to study and complete a biographical project on. The teacher will lead the
lesson with a model project on an author, which will give students an example to follow. After the students
choose an author from the list of videos, they will then choose how they want to present that author’s life.
Along with watching the video, students will use resources from the Media Center and other websites to find
all the information they can about their chosen author’s life. They will need to record information like where
the author was born, experiences they had during their childhood, their education, and what books they have
written. Once students have gathered all that information, they can then choose between a mini-booklet,
brochure, or tri-board presentation to display everything they learned.
A rubric will be used so students can have a guideline to follow throughout the project. Once students
have chosen and completed the final product, the class will hold an “Author fair.” It could be set up in the
halls, gym, or cafeteria of the school, and students would be encouraged to dress as they believe their author
would. Parents, students from other classes and grades, and other faculty will be able to view the projects.
When the fair it over, students will write a brief reflection about their project and how they felt about
presenting what they learned to others.
Reflective Practice:
Extending this project might involve recording students’ presentations and publishing them to a classroom
blog or to the school website. It could also be extended through helping students in the creation an E-Book or
mini movie via power-point. Students could extend their projects by spending time discussing the authors and
how their books have impacted the world with their Media Specialist.

Spring 2018_SJB