Instructional+Unit+in+a+Virtual+Classroom

= Instructional Unit in a Virtual Classroom  =

Description
For this assignment we were asked to create a classroom unit using the BlackBoard content learning management system. Before we could start to develop our unit we had to design our BlackBoard page. BlackBoard makes it pretty easy to change colors, add banners and customize the site to our liking. We were asked to create three or four lessons (week-long) that would cover all the important aspects of a unit. The lessons needed to include discussion forums, collaborative projects, reflections and they had to include various capabilities of the BlackBoard system. We needed to make the virtual classroom as if we were going to teach the lessons to our classes.

Process to Complete Assignment
Before I could begin the assignment I needed to learn more about BlackBoard. I took some time exploring the BlackBoard environment and looking at some of the tutorial videos. Once I had a handle on how to design in BlackBoard I began to put my virtual classroom together. I created, and added a banner, changed the colors, added menu items and generally tried to make the classroom environment easy to use. After I designed the classroom I needed to figure out what unit I would use. After much consideration I decided to complete a unit on Reconstruction. I wanted to try using Google Docs because we will be adding that to our school next year and I wanted to explore the capabilities now. I decided to have the students gather basic information about Reconstruction first. They did this by researching and looking at online videos. They took that information and completed a chart of the different plans of Reconstruction. Once they had a handle on what Reconstruction was I wanted them to see the different sides of Reconstruction. Each was to choose a different role to play. Each group then would work together to develop an Animato video ad that would promote their ideas for Reconstruction. To complete the assignment each student would compare the Reconstruction Era of the 1860s to reconstruction in Iraq today.

Reflection
This was probably my favorite lesson to complete. I use Edline at school and I have a separate Moodle classroom set up for my classes as well so I was interested in learning about BlackBoard. All three systems have positive and negative aspects. Each enables the user to design the classroom the way that works best for them although none allow for total customization. It was challenging to develop lessons that could be completed in the virtual world. Finding the resources for the students was easy but deciding how best to use that content was the difficult part. Once I had a clear vision of what I wanted to do creating the classroom was easy. I now feel that I have a better idea of how to develop lessons in a virutal classroom and will certainly incorporate this into my Moodle classroom in the future. Trying to get through all of U.S. history in one year is a challenge but perhaps I could teach units online to help cover all of the matierial I struggle to get through during the school year.

Wimba Classroom Video
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