Learning+Objects

= Learning Object in the //Traveling the World// lesson Plan =

====It is hard to describe exactly what learning objects are, but in a sense, they are any object that help students reach the next level of comprehension. Learning objects can be a variety of things like YouTube videos, online tutorials, stories, or simulations. ====

====There are a variety of Learning Objects that can be used in this lesson plan. Here are some that I completed in class with a full description of how they specifically are used in the lesson. ====

**Object 1: Screencast-O-Matic **
==== Here is a video I created on Screencast-o-matic.com. This screen cast explains to the viewer on how to insert images into Microsoft Word. For the //Traveling the World// lesson plan, I would create a screencast that explains how to create a Voki, how to photo edit a picture of yourself into another, how to create a brochure and newsletter, how to create a Inspiration Mind Map, and what Web 2.0 tools can be used in the project. I would upload all of these screencasts onto my classroom Wiki so students can review the directions at any time and so parents can become familiar with the project. This is an good example of a learning object because it allows students easy access to an online tutorial on how to complete vital components of their project. Creating a learning object like this would benefit the teacher greatly since they may not be able to spend constant time reviewing instructions with students. This screen cast allows students to review on their own. ====

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**Object 2: Introducing the lesson **
====Here is an image of the United States that can be used to introduce the //Traveling the World// lesson plan. The teacher can review geographical and historical facts of the United States or the city their school district is located in. This is a good learning object because it provides and/or reviews background knowledge that is necessary for this lesson. ====

  Image Courtesy of www.geology.com

 Here is an image of all the continents. Its uses are the same as the United States learning object.
  Image courtesy of www.worldpress.org

**Object 3: Creating a flight attendant **
====Students will create a "flight attendant" for their project using the website www.voki.com This is a great learning object because it forces students to explain their project using a fun and interesting tool. This is step #21 in the lesson plan. ====

 Here is Jill, the prototype flight attendant for the lesson plan.
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**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Step 4: Finding clips on Sound Transit **
====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Here is the link for Sound Transit Sound Transit allows students to search for a city or landmark. There are sound files available for a variety of locations. The sound files are of background noise that occurs at the given place. ====

====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Here is a sound clip from Central Park In this sound clip you can hear birds chirping and the wind whooshing in Central Park in New York City. ====

====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Sound Transit serves as a great learning object for students because it helps engage their interest in the project. If students are interested in the work they are doing, they are more likely to be actively engaged in the lesson which will help increase comprehension. ====

**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Object 5: Using YouTube to find video clips **
====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Students can use youtube.com to find video clips on the places they are visiting. These videos aren't meant to present historical information--that aspect is built into other parts of the lesson like the newsletter and Inspiration Mind Maps. Instead, these videos can be a more contemporary representation of the places they are traveling to similar to the information they will include in their travel brochures. This process is #18 of the lesson plan. Here are a few from New York City: ==== <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">media type="youtube" key="W-rmqU_lDK0?fs=1" height="385" width="480"

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">media type="youtube" key="ymRTtRFxx_U?fs=1" height="385" width="480"

====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> Students will find an image using Google Images or Google Earth of the places they visit using Sound Transit. They should find images from both the historical and contemporary places they "visit". Images are beneficial learning objects because they engage students in what they are studying which promotes heightened comprehension. Students love exploring bright, vivid, images rather than doing nothing but research. Finding images is part of the research process in this project, but it more interesting to students. This is #19 in the lesson plan (which focuses on Google Earth). ====

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Here is an image of the Conservatory Garden in Central Park:
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> Image Courtsey of @http://www.centralparknyc.org