This week I explored Google and looked at several applications that I could incorporate into a lesson plan. Once on the site, my eye immediately went to the Google Finance link as I was planning a lesson for the Accounting class on the "We Seed" stock market simulation site. As I explored the Google finance site, I realized the students could do their research, read "Market News", learn the ticker symbols, and create their stock portfolios with Google's Portfolio Creator.
To see the finished lesson plan, click this link
Google Docs "We Seed" Lesson Plan or visit my e-Portfolio at
https://sites.google.com/site/lburleigheportfolio/accomplishments
You're probably thinking "How can she get so fired up about such a boring subject?" and two years ago, I would have agreed. Everything was done with a pencil on a big green Journal register book that took two entire student desks to hold. Maybe that is where the idea for team work really came into play because it took two students just to hold the Accounting Journal. Yes, we do still use the big green book but mostly just as another experience. Most of the financial statements are now either done in Excel or QuickBooks. I prefer Excel because they have to use more formatting and formulas; QuickBooks has gotten to where it does it all now and the Accountants tend to get lazy and make mistakes. I like to keep them on their toes.
With all the new technology and the integration of virtual worlds and simulations, the business world is an exciting place to be. There is so much a teacher can do to get the students "fired up". The main thing a teacher needs to do is take one step at a time and try something new at least once a week. I would recommend trying it at home first and be sure of how things work before you show the students. If it doesn't work right or you can't answer their questions, you will confuse them and lose their interest. That can put the fire out in a hurry!
On the other hand, if you are like me and very open minded, you can tell the students what you would like them to learn, the software and websites you want them to use to learn it, and the process you want them to take to show what they have learned. You will have students that want to be spoon fed through the project so one solution could be to create teams or small groups and let them brainstorm and find the solutions on their own.
Whenever I use this tactic, I always spend a lot of time over their shoulders learning as they go.
For example, I have the FREE online Audacity audio program on several of the class computers.
I do not know how to use it that well and the kids know it.
I have a few specialists, one is a senior this year and another is a freshman.
Whenever the students have a multimedia project to complete, they have the option of creating narration or a music mix for the background in Audacity.
I provide the computer, the Audacity program, the class time/tutorial time and the names of students that know some cool tips and tricks.
I thought about making it a part of the class lessons and decided that I liked it better if the students just dug in and learned how to use it on their own.
I just keep track of those students who really know and understand the program and make sure to spark the interest in a freshman every year.
The Freshman I have this year just did the background mix for one of the senior’s Accounting Career Movie. By next year, I will estimate that over 75% of my students will be capable of creating a music mix of at least three songs, and 50% will know how to create a voice overlay.
I am sorry to say, I will not be among those percentages.
I just don’t have time to learn it all and I believe firmly in the saying that “whoever is doing the work, is doing the learning” So my motto is: “Let the kids work!”
