English

**Research Standards:**

 * ======RSCH.B2--Identify appropriate sources and gather relevant information from multipole sources======
 * ======RSCH.C4--Compile and organize important information and select appropriate sources to support central ideas, concepts and themes======
 * ======RSCH.E7--Use a variety of communication techniques, including oral, visual, written or multimedia reports, to pesent information that supports a clear position about the topic or research question and to maintain an appropriate balance between researched information and original ideas.======

**Communication: Oral and Visual Standards**

 * ======CO.D6--Adjust volume, phrasing, enunciation, voie modulation and inflection to stress important ideas and impact audience response======
 * ======CO.D7--Vary language choices as appropriate to the context of the speech.======
 * ======CO.E8--Deliver informational presentations that======
 * ======a. demonstrate an understanding of the topic and present events or ideas in a logical sequence======
 * ======b. support the controlling idea with relevant facts, details, etc.======
 * ======c. include an effective intorudtion and conclusion and use a consistent organiational pattern======
 * ======d. use appropriate visual materials and available technology to enhance presentation; and======
 * ======e. draw from multiple sources, including both primary and secondary sources, and identify sources used======
 * ======CO.G9--Deliver formal and informal descriptive presentations that convey relevant information and descriptive details======

__**Technology Needed:**__

 * ======Computer with PowerPoint application======
 * ======SmartBoard======
 * ======Internet (for research databases to obtain information)======
 * ======Noodletools.com======

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Students will be creating a PowerPoint presentation of three pieces of information: their definition of a hero, someone they consider a personal hero, and an example of a global hero. Students will present their PowerPoint to the class before reading //The Odyssey// via SmartBoard that is located in the classroom. Students must embed a video (YouTube or any other resource) into the PowerPoint which identifies his/her global hero. In order to obtain information about a global hero, students will use valid Internet resources and cite them appropriately in MLA format. ======

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3. Students will conduct research to select a hero froma different country. This individual should be someone who is not necessarily a typical or obvious recognized hero. Students must provie specific examlpes and/or anecdotes of how this person fits their definition of a hero. ======

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4. Students will create a PowerPoint presentation to be the visual aid for their presentation. They must embed a video of their global hero into their PowerPoint slides. The PowerPoint slides should contain little to no text--use images, pictures, and videos to accompany the presentation. ======

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 * Students will be graded on the folllowing criteria: organization, grammar & usage, sources being in MLA format, the use of visuals (images, pictures, videos, etc.), and speaking skills (eye contact, body language, volume, projection, inflection, pace).**======

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It is clear that using Microsoft PowerPoint software is beneficial to students. According to Parette et al. (2011), using PowerPoint allows students "to create anything from basic slide shows to complex presentations" (p.59). Therefore, it is easy for students to use. Furthermore, Parette et al. (2011) explains that "PowerPoint holds particular promise for young children with learning issues because it contains a variety of special presentation features likely to enhance the learning experience" (p. 59). Obviously, the students will enjoy using PowerPoint for their presentations because they can add the text, sound, audio clips and videos that they desire.======

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Parette, H. P., Hourcade, J., & Blum, C. (2011, April). Using Animation in Microsoft PowerPoint to Enhance Engagement and Learning in Young Learners With Developmental Delay. //Teaching Exceptional Children//, //43//(4), 58-67.======

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This activity is considered "tried and true" because PowerPoint is not a new tool in which students have to learn the steps to; they usually use this software for projects in elementary school and middle school. Utilizing PowerPoint allows students to be creative and they do enjoy using it and showing off their creativeness to their peers. I actually did this activity with my class of Honors Freshmen and while one student was speaking, members of the class were definitely captivated in the pictures and the video that the presenter included in his/her presentation, as well as the actual speech of the speaker.======