I usually do well in creating lesson plans but the process of producing a lesson that incorporated the use of a digital spreadsheet seemed to be an impossible task. Although we were given ample time to work on the lesson, I could not figure out how to teach such young children (kindergarten) how to use a digital spreadsheet. I spent a lot time thinking things through but time was flying and I was getting nowhere. I was beginning to feel so frustrated and getting familiarized with using the ASSURE model did not make things any easier.
As I googled my way in hope of generating some ideas, I found myself going nowhere—all I found was a whole lot of useless information. Luckily, I was introduced to many helpful technological tools that came in really handy, such as: dog pile, my Moodle, and my delicious list. Through these sources, I was able to find some examples of the ASSURE model (ASSURE, 1996) and figured out what it was.
One night, I came up with an idea of doing a recycling activity that I would be able to teach using a spreadsheet. I opened the ASSURE template and found that it was useful, since it assisted me in my planning and organizing my thoughts. As I built on my ideas, I was slowly but surely able to complete what was at first such an impossible task.
This assignment was completed using various technology tools such as the search engine dog pile, my delicious list, and various web sites. I learned a great deal in the process of completing this task—the main standard that applied in this assignment overall, according to the National Education Technology Standards for teachers, is NETS-T.1.B, “demonstrate continual growth in technology knowledge and skills to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies” (ISTE NETS Project). I did not only use what I already knew in getting my work done—I used many sources that I never knew existed. Although it took a while to get used to, it will be very useful.
I learned that planning a lesson using a different template (ASSURE) can be stressful but very beneficial. I have just been so accustomed to doing things one way that that this assignment made me feel so overwhelmed. Because I am not as “tech savvy” as others, this assignment made me realize that there are so many tools that can assist me when I become a teacher. I also realized that it is not impossible—it just takes practice.
