PowerPoint-Define Geography

     For this activity I had a hard time choosing something to create a PowerPoint of.  Since I am changing schools this year as well as the subject matter I will be teaching I wanted to create something that would help me in my new classroom.  I have not been able to see what materials are in my new classroom but I knew that I wanted my new students to have an understanding on what exactly Geography means.  For this assignment I looked at the following Next Generation standards for West Virginia. 

Geography Presentation

SS.7.G.1 Use correct geographic terminology
SS.7.G.2 Identify, locate and draw conclusions about information on a variety of maps
SS.7.G.4 Examine and summarize the effects of human/environmental interaction

I would use this PowerPoint in the very beginning of the school year, I would show it and students would brainstorm to define Geography first on their own then as a class we would discuss what each student came up with to get a definition as a class.  This would be used as an introduction for the students to the subject matter they will be covering.

    I found the process of making the PowerPoint rather easy as I have used PowerPoint on a regular basis in different forms to help students review or to present new ideas.  I have always tried to stay away from bulleting information but at times have found it unavoidable.  Students react to visuals and video which leads to better discussion and digestion of the information I feel. 

Looking at the NETS*S standards I feel that we have covered a variety of them with this exercise.

1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity
      A. Promote, Support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness

2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Experiences and Assessments
      A. Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.

Both of the above standards were reached as we changed the PowerPoint from a textual tool into a visual tool allowing students to explore what they are seeing.

2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Experiences and Assessments
      B. Develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress.

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

I feel both of the above standards could be reached if students were asked to take their own definition of Geography and create a slide show of pictures to show their own thoughts.