Urban Dreams Project Evaluation

Have students benefited from participating in Urban Dreams? If yes, in what ways have they benefited?

	Equipment, knowledge about integrating technology that I gained, in creased focus on civil and human rights.
	Yes, When I had Internet, students and I constantly used it to answer questions, discussion generated-now students use it to print out papers-I use it to type assignments, etc.
	Yes-Since I have been trained in various ways of how to use technology, as will as, helpful websites, my students check their e-mail from me, go online to view homework, grades, and assignments. They also present their PowerPoint presentations using the great equipment we’ve received from UD.
	Yes, My curriculum has changed in crucial way such as a new focus on human rights that is more engaging to students. For example, in teaching the state regulated unit on colonialism I wear in work on human rights and teach the students to make connections between the past and the present. One student exclaimed, “I didn’t know (before studying the UN Declaration on the Rights of a Child) that I am entitled to being treated with dignity.” It’s really helped to get kids engaged.
	Yes, students compose essays and research with clarity. The journalism class was becoming a focal point at our school through the use of technology.
	Yes – The students appreciated being able to work in class near me when they need to research the Internet, type a paper or e-mail for sources. They learned to use Inspiration and complete bubblesheets for essays, which then helped them, complete outlines.
	Yes - The students love the computers, so any opportunity that I give them to use the computers results in additional effort on their part, almost regardless of the assignment.
	Yes - Materials and books supplied to me have been used in teaching (CD, Human Rights video) I am more confident about letting my students use the two internet computers for research in the classroom. My prior internet connection was at home only. I use more media in the class - probably not enough variety yet, but I'm getting better.
	Yes – One major way they have benefited was by my integrating one or more questions about human rights into every unit of our World Cultures course. I also have chosen novel from the Core Lit list that address the themes of human rights and civil rights. I also have been using Essential Questions as a basis fro inquiry into history and literature.
	Yes – The access to technology-computers and the monitor. Also, because I am integrating more technology and information (from general Internet research) into the curriculum, the students are receiving a more rich education.
	Yes. The plethora of equipment now available to my students is mind-boggling. Especially considering just 2 yrs. ago I had only 1 old Mac & had to sign up and checkout TV or Video equip. I can have them word process, Internet research, watch videos, etc.
	Yes. Tremendously! Since I had no computers, printers, or Internet in my classroom, and few of my students have access to this technology at home, I couldn't assign research projects and expect students to complete them. Having technology available in the classroom has bridged that gap.
	Much greater access to technology I learned how to use search engines more efficiently and passed that information on to students.
	Yes. They have access to the net and word processors. Students use the computers in class and almost every computer is used at lunch time as I open up my room to my students. Many students are quite familiar, even more than me, using high tech. I certainly have even learned from them. In addition, the large screen monitor has been very useful though my VCR has been in repair for months.
	Yes. Students benefit from using the computers. I allow them to do work from other classes, within reason. If they have a problem, peers usually help. I assign papers and some use classroom computers. I use PowerPoint or PageMaker as needed.

	Student achievement has improved through student’s ability to access the Internet and print papers and assignments that they might not have been able to before.
	Computer aided projects were popular, but there was a lot of plagiarism.
	Yes – Students are starting to learn how to gather and use evidence to support their inquiries.
	Using the technology can be very motivation to students.
	Not yet

Student Academic Achievement

Do you see any changes in student academic achievement resulting from UD?

Absolutely. Having computers in the classroom enables students to practice and refine their computer skills. This transmits into more professional assignments. Students are able to research, decorate, and expand their knowledge about technology and content matter.

Yes! Because students are required to do PowerPoint presentations, they do a better job in researching their topics. Also, students are able to go online and access info regarding their assignments and grades, therefore, they are more aware of where they stand academically at anytime and seem to be more motivated to get work in. Overall, grades have improved since the corporation of technology in the classroom.

When online access is installed in my classroom, the students will be able to access a wide range of information and interactive activities. I feel they will feel more

Yes, I focus a great deal on expository writing and research. I think the quality of work produced by students is better, more will written, more clearly researched and documented. They are constantly using the Internet to research information for their essays. I am actually requiring it too! motivated.

No - Actually, I cannot really answer this one. I think that the students are better this year, their participation is improving, I rarely encounter the totally disengaged student. I cannot pinpoint the cause, Urban Dreams or not. I think that I'm a better teacher....

No, my students are, by and large, academically competent and more computer literate than I.

Influence of Urban Dreams on Instructional Strategies and Materials Used

How have technologies/resources provided by UD influenced the instructional strategies/materials used in your classroom?

One possibility that I have not implemented has to do with differentiating instruction and individualizing instruction. I would like to use some of the interactive sites on the web to allow students to work on particular areas of need.

I feel that a result of the resources I’ve been able to facilitate a greater amount of hands-on activities that promote greater interaction with the curriculum. I’ve also been able to present a greater amount of information through the use of the CD-ROMS. Without their use I would have to do extensive researching to gather information.

I use the web to lesson plan, e-mail colleagues and expect students to complete research both in the library and on the web.

Using computers has added variety, it helped in a research project on native Americans, biographies of Americans in 1800-50 and last year we e-mailed new President Bush last year during the energy crisis. Some of my students used computer graphics in their design class to enhance their family origins project which was just turned in.

I am still in the SLOW process of figuring out how to use technology in the classroom.

UD does a nice job of integrating staff development of reading & writing skills with the computer technology. I have used many of the ideas from their workshops in my classroom.

Yes. For example, the unit on psychological disorders requires that the students research a disorder. Students use the net to research and gather, use the word processor to produce the written, then usually write out their skit using the WP also.

I have used the Educart extensively for enhancing lectures.

My students use PowerPoint, make newsletters and have done "websites" using the computers in the classroom. They have more access to info on-line

Students can use the computers in my room to research projects and to type up papers and articles. I now have a “mini-lab” of six computers and two printers. They have been functioning most of the time.

I now use the Internet in the classroom, am working with students on film making/editing projects, I am exploring instructional strategies/resources online, and am able to troubleshoot minor problems with computers as my students use them.

Now that UD has provided resources to expand the technological capabilities in my classroom, I am able to provide direct instruction to my students while they seek out information for their research right in the classroom. I am able to monitor their work more consistently, and , I can be certain that they are productively engaged in the pursuit of knowledge related to their research.

I have been able to implement the use of computers into my classroom and my students have gained much broader understanding into the concepts we have covered in class. From Farm Worker history to the internment of Japanese-Americans, I have been able to access a lot more information and disseminate it to my students since I started working with the Urban Dreams Project.

Assignments are now typed by students.

Resources via Internet can be accessed.

Teacher instruction is provided via computer and viewed via TV monitor.

Instructions and class activities are better coordinated, viewed and discussed via technology.

Students are now trained on the technology equipment e.g. keyboard, scanner, printer.

Some students are currently receiving training on the camera equipment.

Urban Dreams

Cohorts I and II Teacher Survey– Spring 2002

Benefit to Students

Benefits for Students

Have students benefited from participating in Urban Dreams? If yes, in what ways have they benefited?

Student Academic Achievement

Influence of Urban Dreams on Instructional Strategies and Materials Used