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Instructional Materials Exhibition
Mode: Individual
Value: 15 points

updated 2-18-09


Purpose
An important part of this class is exploring various formats of instructional materials.  It's important to understand the nature of many different formats, because people learn through different modalities and styles.  In order to meet the needs of the diverse populations we might serve, we will explore information in these multiple and varied formats. This works best if each student chooses one particular type to demonstrate and describe.

Your purpose in creating this Exhibit should be to 1). become an expert about one particular type of instructional material; and 2). to demonstrate this type of material in such a way that your classmates will be excited about its potential uses.

Don't be limited by the "instructional materials" label.  Most items found in school libraries are good targets for this Exhibition, because most well-designed materials for children and youth can be put to an instructional use. We hope to see both low-tech and high-tech Exhibits. Examples of instructional material formats include picture books, DVDs, young adult fiction, intermediate fiction, hi-lo materials, ESOL materials, easy nonfiction, nonfiction, biography, story collections, paperbacks, big books, video, sound recordings, maps and globes, electronic fiction on CDs, games, math manipulatives, science equipment, professional books, periodicals for students, teacher’s periodicals, Web resources, instructional computer programs, posters, pictures, and many more. Some of these "formats" are really genres, and some can be further subdivided.  We will not explore antiquated formats.

While we want a variety of formats represented, do not hesitate to choose a type of print material as your topic. Books come in many different genres, and we need to thoroughly understand these.

Task
Choose an instructional materials format (or type or genre of material).  It should be a type, not a specific item, brand name, or website.  Register your choice with the Exhibition Manager.  Prepare an exhibit for our class about this format that covers the points in the rubric below.  Make sure to assess your own presentation in the column provided in the rubric.

Your exhibit should take no more room than one of our class tables, but may take less.  You are free to use a tri-fold board, poster, computer (alone or in combination), or any other media or material to compose your exhibit, as long as the space limitation is met.

On the scheduled day, we will set aside time to present and experience the Exhibits. (If we need one more day, or a make-up day, we will discuss this early in the semester.)   Picture a Conference Exhibit Hall, in which scores of representatives display their materials and speak with interested conference attendees.  Create an exhibit that will be self-explanatory, hands-on if possible, appealing, and present an adequate opportunity for viewers to get a good idea of what this material is like.  Create a (1-page or less) handout or some other tangible take-home item that covers the major points.

You will have an opportunity to view other Exhibits as well.   A major goal of this assignment has always been for all class members to benefit from a compilation of these exhibits.  If you keep the handouts, you will have a head start when it is your turn to research and order these items.

Keep in mind that the primary motivation for this task is to provide a take-home resource for your classmates to use. Therefore, consider spending more time (or at least as much) on the handout as you do the display - or at least equivalent time. Blog Post 2/20/08Blog Post followup 2//28/08


Rubric Details
See rubric below for context:

Exhibit
A key part of this instructional experience must be the opportunity for classmates to examine some items through the appropriate senses.  For example, an audiofile must be heard, a book must be handled, and software must be demonstrated via a computer.

Plan an Exhibit anchored around one of our class tables. You can put things on top of it, in front of it, behind it, hang things from it, etc. You may certainly bring technology as part of your exhibit. Our classroom equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis; reserve with the Exhibition Manager.


What should I hand in?
1. Give us something in print to represent your exhibit. All of the rubric elements should be present here. This could be: 2. In addition, make sure that any electronic material is mounted on your assignment page AND linked to the Exhibition Page (collaborate with the Manager to get this done).  This is important for absentees, people who need another look later, for your future reference, and for team grading.

3. Hand in your partially completed rubric along with your printed materials.



 
Instructional Materials Exhibition: Evaluation Checklist


Component
                                                                                 
Value
Student
Assessment
MAF's Assessment
(w/ comments)
Did you provide a definition and/or description of the format, and provide examples?
2

.
Did you list specific selection criteria?
2

.
Did you list several sources or vendors for these materials?
1

.
Did you provide some useful tips for using this format?
1

.
Did you provide one or more personal recommendations for choosing materials in this format? 
2

.
Did you provide at least one suggestion for instructional use of this format?
2

..
Did you self-assess?   (Use this rubric, middle column.)
1

.
Did you provide all the necessary elements?
[]handout
[]it's online
2

.
Is your exhibit mechanically clean?  (Grammar, spelling, formatting, etc.) Did you cite your sources?
Standard: high -- all publically available materials should be as mechanically perfect as possible.
2

.
Total
15

..

 
 
Compliments and Suggestions
 
 
 

 

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Expires 12-31-09

Updates: 2/18/09: minor clarification about the exhibit itself. 1/7/09: refreshed for 2009.
3/5/O8: indexing; 2/6/08: removed dead link.
1/9/08: increased value to 15; refreshed for 2008.

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http://it.coe.uga.edu/~mfitzger/6340/instructional-materials-exhibition.html
contact MAF: mfitzger at uga.edu; students may find more contact info on the WebCT 6340 homepage.

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