School+for+Legal+Studies

__The School for Legal Studies (477K): __ **__Exploring Non Fiction eBooks __** Librarian: Bethany Eccleston-Webber, becclestonwebbe@schools.nyc.gov Grade Levels:9 -11 **http://ebookslessons.wikispaces.com/** Google Docs PD for Teachers: PD sessions were held for teachers from Social Studies, English and Science Department. Project Goal 1: The goal of the Professional Development session was to introduce teachers to nonfiction eBooks and show how to gain access to the collection. In addition, lesson plan ideas were presented to show how the Common Core Curriculum may be supported by technology and eBooks collection. Project Goal 2: The goal of the project is to use technology ( iPads and nonfiction eBooks – those that are unlimited and can be accessed  simultaneously) to support the Common Core Curriculum and help bridge the literacy gap across content areas and therefore empower as many students as possible with College Readiness Skills. Lesson Goal: Students will utilize technology and explore a variety of nonfiction eBooks to gain a better understanding of content. How do you know the goals were achieved? I think the goals were achieved from both the students’ and teachers’ perspectives. Most teachers, especially those from the Humanities Department, were enthusiastic about the professional development session held to introduce them to the eBook collection. Additionally, they liked the fact that they could be accessed easily and simultaneously. Most teachers’ classrooms on one of the floors are now equipped with Smart Board and laptops, therefore this will make it easier for teachers to access resources via the library’s catalog. The students all appreciated the fact that they were able to use eBooks as class resources. Students in the smaller classes were allowed to use iPads to access eBooks. Based on students’ responses to class activities and their eagerness to visit the library and use the different technology, I would say the goals were achieved. **__ Tips on implementing at another school: __** Although a memo was sent to all Assistant Principals to inform them of the purchasing of eBooks and requiring their input in suggesting titles, many teachers were not aware of the memo and were not given a chance to browse titles. All teachers should be aware of the suggested eBooks list. Lessons plans should be flexible so it’s easier to make adjustments for low level readers and English Language Learners. Students should be encouraged to take their headphones for texts that allow reading. In keeping with the demands of the Common Core Standards, all nonfiction eBooks purchased will be utilized next year. It is likely that more teachers will be using eBooks as other classrooms are being equipped with SmartBoards and many iPads have been purchased recently. I would definitely purchase more eBook titles that cater to all disciplines. I would like to continue helping teachers to create worksheets for eBooks and encourage teachers to use Google Docs. __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">Lesson Plan: __ **__<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 19px;">Exploring Non Fiction eBooks __** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Library Information Fluency Continuum <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">ISTE Standards <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">ELA Standards <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Social Studies Standards ||
 * 1) **__<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Purchases Made: __** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">10 iPads, 104 eBooks – Nonfiction Titles (unlimited & simultaneous access)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> 2 __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Content Areas Addressed: __** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">English/Social Studies
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> 3 __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Worked With Teachers: __** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Mrs. Parker, Mrs. Pearson
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> 4. __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Title of Project: __****<span style="font-family: 'arial','sans-serif';"> Exploring Nonfiction eBooks **
 * 1) **__<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Description of Lesson: __**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Resources Used: Computers, eBooks, iPads, Headphones, Worksheet,
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Grade Levels: 9-11
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">When purchasing eBooks, a memo should be sent to all teachers, not only APs, in order to get all teachers input in suggesting titles.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Professional development sessions should be held to familiarize both students and staff with eBook features/icons on both the iPads and desktop computers.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Both students and teachers should be introduced to the eBook collection.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Purchase a few print versions of eBooks titles
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Order books at varying reading levels
 * __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Lessons Learned: __**
 * __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Plans for usage of material next year: __**
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Unit Plan Title ** || **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Exploring Nonfiction eBooks ** ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Unit Summary ** || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Nonfiction eBooks titles will be used in order to:
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Expose students to a variety of reading experiences
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Help students get a better understanding of complex topics
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Help develop students’ critical thinking and writing skills
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Improve vocabulary. ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Unit Essential Questions ** || * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">How can the various icons of an eBook assist in locating information? (Example – Dictionary and Book Information icon)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">What are the purposes of reading informational text?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">How can informational text features assist in navigating text and provide additional information needed to understand content? (Example – Index, Charts, Photos)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">How can an individual understand complex topics by reading informational texts?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">How can informational text be used to develop critical thinking and improve writing skills? ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Unit Instructional Objectives ** || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Students should:
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">use icons and different features
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">identify the differences between features of an eBook and those of print
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">recognize the difference sections of eBooks
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">explain how graphical representations will enable them to have a better understanding of text ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Standards ** || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Common Core State Standards