Learning Tech-Skills Through Pokemon Training (Costumes Optional)

The following classes will give students equitable access to technology and help them build multimodal communication skills. The students will be shown how to research a question that they need answers to.  The students not only learn about that inquiry but become an expert writer to others. When the students have researched their inquiry of the game, they can write an informative/explanatory piece explaining to others the answers they found. 

Students are also shown how technology can consume information and replace traditional classroom tools to allow the students to experiment with new forms of communication in Pokemon.  Students will learn how to create and upload videos or build graphics and maps to convey what they are trying to do and say. Dr. Weldon will be guiding that interaction so that students can express the meaning of what they are doing.

This class allows students a wide selection of game modes and options to let them play how they want while brushing up on their skills while battling against computer-controlled opponents in the Trainer Challenge.  They will be able to test their skills against their friends or challenge random players from around the world in Versus Mode.  Students will be able to use your favorite Pokémon TCG theme deck or build a custom deck using Standard, Expanded, or Legacy deck construction formats.  They will also complete weekly challenges to earn booster packs, Trainer Tokens, and more.

Students will be able to redeem Trainer Tokens in the Shop for booster packs, theme decks, and cool gameplay accessories. Students will also be able to unlock free booster packs by defeating computer-controlled opponents in the Trainer Challenge.  Students can redeem code cards found in specially marked Pokémon TCG products to unlock online booster packs, theme decks, or promo cards.

Example schedule but may be updated to fit the needs of the students:

Week 1 (10/31/20):  Costume Contest--Who as the best Pokemon "look"?  Go over the Pokemon basics and introduction of the students to each other and to their teacher.  Turn on a computer and log in; Use pointing devices such as a mouse to manipulate shapes, icons; click on URLs, radio buttons, checkboxes;  use scroll bar; Use desktop icons, windows, and menus to open applications and documents; File management – saving documents.

Week 2 (11/7/20):  Explain and use age‐appropriate online tools and  resources (e.g. tutorial, assessment, a web browser); Keyboarding (Use proper posture and ergonomics; Locate and use letter and numbers keys with left  and right-hand placement; Locate and use a correct finger, hand for the space bar,  return/enter and shift key; Gain proficiency and speed in touch typing; Use a word processing application to write, edit, print  and save simple assignments)

Week 3 (11/14/20): Use menu/tool bar functions (e.g. font/size/style/, line  spacing, margins) to format, edit and print a document
Highlight text, copy and paste text (Copy and paste images within the document and from outside sources; Insert and size a graphic in a document; Proofread and edit writing using appropriate resources  (e.g. dictionary, spell checker, grammar, and thesaurus).

Week 4 (11/21/20):  Demonstrate an understanding of the spreadsheet as a  tool to record, organize, and graph information. Identify and explain terms and concepts related to spreadsheets (i.e. cell, column, row, values, labels, chart graph). Enter/edit data in spreadsheets and perform calculations using formulas. Use mathematical symbols e.g. + add, ‐ minus, *multiply, /divide, ^ exponents. Use spreadsheets and other applications to make predictions, solve problems, and draw conclusions.

Week 5 ((11/28/20): Create, edit, and format text on a slide.  Create a series of slides and organize them to present research or convey an idea.  Copy and paste or import graphics; change their size and position on a slide.   Use painting and drawing tools/ applications to create and edit work.  Watch online videos and use play, pause, rewind and forward buttons while taking notes.


Sources:
https://www.cde.state.co.us/cdesped/accommodationsmanual_ccss_k12_techscope
http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/RST/6-8/
http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/CCRA/W/6/