Syllabus

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In World History each student will complete 9 modules. Each module will take about 1 week. This term the World History Class will create these modules and then study the materials created by their classmates.

**What exactly do we have to do?** You (and a possibly partner) will be assigned a world history topic. You will create a "module" on this topic. Each module will be linked to the world history page, the links are already there you just need to join wikispaces and edit the content of the page you are responsible for. Below is a list of the content I will expect for each topic.

Each of the 9 modules will include: An overview of the unit. At least 6 websites that can be used to research the topic. At least 3 independent activities related to the module. A study guide including key terms for the assessment of this topic (20-40 terms.) A Powerpoint presentation. A class activity using the Smartboard. A discussion question which each member of the class can respond to and discuss/debate each other's responses. An assessment of the learning expected from this module.
 * //See a detailed explanation of each requirement below.//**


 * __Overview__**: On your wiki page you should give an informational introduction to your topic. A few paragraphs will suffice. This overview will be followed by a series of instructions for students to follow as they go through your module.

__**Websites:**__ Each website should be an informational resource on your topic. They can include readings, videos, lists of links, timelines, etc. Check to make sure all of your links work. The links on your wiki page should be created to open in a seperate window.


 * __Activities__**: You will create or find three activities for students to perform in your module. These activities can be online, they can involve using computers, or they can be items that need to be printed out and done on paper. Your activities can be any combination of these things or almost anything else you can think of that would make the module better.


 * __Study Guide__**: You will create a study guide that will let the students know what to expect on their assessment. The study guide should be interactive, meaning that the students have to do something with it- not just read it. It can incorporate questions, terms, graphic organizers, etc to help them review.

__**Powerpoint**__: Each module will have a Powerpoint presentation that covers the main points of your topic. This presentation should be geared toward giving students a good understanding of your topic and will be used __before__ they begin working in your module. After viewing your presentation on the smartboard students should be comfortable approaching the rest of the material you have made available to them.

__**Smartboard**__: The smartboard in my room is brand new and it is the first time I have ever had one. Consequently I am just learning to use it. Some of you may have experience with smartboards and some of you may not. This term we will all get some smartboard experience by creating an activity for each module that uses the smartboard. Obviously the powerpoint presentation you will be creating will be projected on the smartboard- that does not count as your smartboard activity. You should find or create an activity that will be done __as a class__ that will incorporate the use of this technology.

__**Discussion responses and subresponses**__: One of the requirements for students completing your module will be to respond to an open ended discussion question that you will pose to them. They will then be able to comment on each other's responses. Each student will be required to post one response and two comments. Your discussion question should be something thought provoking that will generate discussion or debate. It should not be a question which can be answered with a simple factual response.


 * __Assessment__**: At the end of your module students will need to perform some type of assessment to show what they have learned. Traditionally students like to create tests or quizzes. This is one option. You may create some form of performance oriented activity as an assessment instead.

=﻿What will we do when we are finished creating our Modules?= When we are done creating our modules we will proceed to address the subject matter as we would in a normal class with a combination of lecture, activities and projects while also using the modules as a support for each topic. The bottom line is- the module you create will be used by the entire class at some point so save yourself some embarrassment and do a very good job.

=﻿Grading:= This class will be graded on a total points system. For most projects, including the module creation project, the class or individuals will create their own rubric for their assessment. For weekly assignments and quizzes I will assign a point value.