From Excitement to Frustration

Once I heard about the assignment to formulate a multimedia lesson plan using the ASSURE model, I was excited and ready to work. After all, I now knew how to use the ASSURE model and I learned from my experience making the first lesson plan. Ideas flowed easily and I was eager to start. I decided to make my lesson related to Language Arts for fourth graders. The students were to type a short biography about one of their classmates, make a timeline, add audio, and post their final products on the class blog. I had a good plan. However, it was just my luck that things started going downhill.

First, all my classes and I do mean all, started requiring more and more assignments and presentations due within days of each other. I started getting overwhelmed but I felt like I was still on a good path when it came to my multimedia lesson plan. I had a plan mapped out and I thought all I needed to do was fill in the slots and I would be done in no time. Once I finished most of the work required from my other classes, I began my lesson plan.
My original thought about simply following my plan was shot. Most of my tools would not work! I had a hard time incorporating audio. My computer’s microphone for some reason did not match the software I wanted to use. I tried looking for other audio tools but they would not work either. I decided to scratch that idea to avoid wasting time. Next, I uploaded a PowerPoint presentation onto Slideshare. The template I used was not visible and I had to edit my original file. I uploaded the file again and it took a long time! I tried this twice more with the same result. By this time I was panicking. I used my friend’s laptop and tried again. It uploaded but it was taking quite some time for the format to match Slideshare’s. In the end despite the amount of time it took to upload, it was able to work. My last problem was related to my timeline. Compared to the other timeline tools I found, I liked the one from OurStory the best. Of course, this timeline would be a problem as well. It was actually more difficult to use than what I initially thought. It also would not post on the blog! I was already past the deadline and decided to just put a link on the page. I had to settle with this lesson plan although deep down I was not truly happy with it.

The assignment to formulate a multimedia lesson plan integrated several NET*S standards. This included 1B, 2A, 2B, 2D, 2E, 3B, 3D, and 4A. For me, I found Standard 1B most relevant. The standard says, “Teachers demonstrate continual growth in technology knowledge and skills to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies.” I had to continually search for tools that I can use for this lesson plan. It was just too bad that I was not able to use most of what I planned to use!

This lesson plan made me realize how back-up plans are really important. I have always heard my professors say this but it was not until now that the impact hit me. As a student and a future teacher, I need to start practicing this more and more. Despite these low points, I still somehow found enjoyment. It was fun coming up with ideas to use for my lesson and finding tool. It was just too bad I was not able to do what I wanted fully.