Celebrating Heroes: Creating Multimedia Interactive Biographies

The Program:

This in-depth program presents valuable literacy and technology experiences for students to explore the lives of heroes who have contributed to humanity, making the world a better place.  In alignment with the New Standards, this thematic, interdisciplinary program has been designed to motivate young adolescents to read, research and write thoughtfully, for authentic audiences.  Technology is used to research information about hero-positive role models using multiple electronic sources to supplement trade books and other library materials.  Students read, summarize, synthesize notes utilizing computer software, and finally, compose biographies using word processing techniques.  The biographies are published in two formats, including: bound books that are copyrighted by young authors, and multimedia, interactive collective biographies that are group presentations.  These groups are formed categorically. For example, a HyperStudio project entitled “Space Explorers” may be designed by a group off young authors who have selected subjects such as: John Glenn, Neil Armstrong, and Christie McAuliffe.

            The media-enhanced stories of heroes’ lives are published using video-clips, scanned photographs, audio-clips and other artifacts of their subjects’ lives.  Exercising higher order thinking skills and problem solving strategies, students engage in a highly motivational experience that fosters literacy, content knowledge and technological expertise.

The Students:

There are 2 seventh grade classes of 33 students involved in this program.  It may be used for students in fourth grade through high school.

What You Need:

Four (4)  computers are set up in the back of the room.  The computers print to a laser printer.  Different computer software including a CD Encyclopedia and multimedia creation program such as HyperStudio. Reference books are easily accessible.  Materials for creating the bound books are also available.

            Research facilities may include the school media center and resources of the neighborhood branches of the New York Public Library. Students may also access the Internet at both of these facilities.

            Trips to Museums and historical sites may enhance students’ understanding of their hero-subjects.

Overall Value:

This highly motivational program immerses students in enriching literacy experiences and meaningful use of technology in the classroom environment.  Students are engaged in both individual and cooperative learning experiences while developing life-long technological skills.  Students gain an understanding of how heroes have made the world a better place through personal determination, self-sacrifice and strength of character.  The proud authors share their books and collective multimedia interactive biographies the culminating celebration with parents, faculty, and other classes.

Luis Velez has been teaching for over 25 years.  He is presently teaching Computer Technology classes.  He is a past recipient of both Impact II and Teacher Center Grants. 

Pat Shea-Bischoff is currently the International Reading Association Coordinator for New York State.  Former President of the New York State Reading Association, Ms. Shea-Bischoff is active in professional literacy organization activities.  She has been teaching at Intermediate School 24 for over thirty-one years, and is also an adjunct at Fordam University where she is a Ph.D. candidate.  She has been the recipient of many grants and awards, including Impact II and Teacher Center grants.

Both Pat and Luis teach at I.S. 24 in Staten Island, New York.

Subject: Language Arts

Subject 2: Computer Technology

Beginning Grade Level: 4

Ending Grade Level: 12

Estimated Class Periods to Complete: 8

Title of the Program: Celebrating Heroes: Creating Multimedia Interactive Biographies.

Contact the teachers to obtain instructional materials.

Pat’s e-mail: patsb@aol.com

Luis’ e-mail: PAZ417@aol.com

I.S. 24, CSD 31

225 Cleveland Avenue

Staten Island, N.Y. 10308

(718) 356-4200 FAX (718) 356-5834

Principal: Richard Spisto