Roman+Empire+Lesson+&+Web+2.0+Connections

= Roman Empire Lesson & Web 2.0 Connections =

Below is a link to our group's lesson on the Roman Empire. In this lesson we used Carousel Learning and Buehl's LINK strategy to implement writing into the lesson. We asked students to brainstorm background knowledge on Ancient Rome, watch a short clip on the subject, and then break into groups. These groups then worked on learning about a specific aspect of Rome, using texts, discussion, and access to one of the teachers. In these groups they conducted a short writing assignment, such as creating a cartoon, to facilitate their learning. After 15 minutes the groups divided up into new groups and each member of the group was responsible for teaching what they had learned in their first group. We then came together as a class again and worked collectively to answer four key questions.

JogTheWeb is a tool that allows teachers to create a list of websites for students to use in their research. This tool is particulary useful because it limits the websites that students can use to only those that you have selected as appropriate. It also allows you to create notes on the websites when students reach them. You can provide students with questions to consider while reading the website or annotate the sites to guide learners. Students move through the list of websites while reading the notes the teacher left them, providing them with structure in the often confusing process of internet research.

To use JogTheWeb you first make an account. The site is free and only requires your name, email, a username and a password. You then click "create a jog." After surfing the Internet and finding the websites you would like the students to use, return to JogTheWeb. Enter a name for each website and its url. There is also a space for your annotations. Once you've added one page you go on to the next, which will be the second website. When kids view the websites they will go in the order you posted them so make sure you put them the way you'd like them to be read. After creating all the website links and annotations you want, just click "Done Editing" and your jog is posted for you to use in your classroom!

I had a lot of fun making my "jog" and reading other peoples'. I definitely see myself using this tool in my lessons for multiple reasons. Students are sent to specific websites and are provided with your instructions for each one, limiting confusion and increasing the likely-hood that they'll get what you want them to get from each site. It minimizes both teacher frustration of receiving faulty information and student frustration of fruitless searching. The Roman Empire is a content rich topic, full of unfamiliar geography, names and terms. For example, Roman art and architecture may be difficult to understand as students.Exposing students to the impressive Roman work is easier if they can explore the images themselves on websites. This allows them to take their time and to see a wider array than if you were squeeze a few in during class. The interactive maps and websites may also engage students better than if they were merely shown a map during class. There are so many websites that provide a wealth of information on Ancient Rome, you have a better chance of peaking a student's interests if you can expose them to these alternatives to the classroom. Students who find that they are interested in the topic will naturally be more inclined to learn about it. A win-win situation for both students and teachers.



= Katie's Resource Page = This link will lead you to a list of three professional resources that are connected to Ancient Rome.