Use technology such as electronic portfolios, research projects, and journals to document and present information in a clear and coherent manner

Standards Alignment

• TEKS.117.315.05G primary
  use technology such as electronic portfolios, research projects, and journals to document and present information in a clear and coherent manner; and
• TEKS.117.315.05H primary
  connect theatre skills and experiences to higher education and careers outside of the theatre. Source: The provisions of this §117.315 adopted to be effective July 28, 2013, 38 TexReg 4575.

Lesson Overview

This Grade 9 theatre lesson focuses on helping students use technology tools such as electronic portfolios, research projects, and journals to document and present their theatre experiences clearly and coherently. It also connects theatre skills to higher education and careers outside theatre, supporting students in understanding the broader applications of their learning. The lesson aligns with TEKS standards TEKS.117.315.05G and TEKS.117.315.05H and emphasizes critical evaluation and response to theatre performances.

Learning Objectives

• Use electronic portfolios, research projects, and journals to document theatre experiences in a clear and organized way.
• Present theatre-related information using technology tools to communicate ideas effectively.
• Explain how theatre skills and experiences relate to higher education and careers beyond theatre.

Success Criteria

• Students create an electronic portfolio or journal entry that clearly documents their theatre work.
• Students present their documented work using technology with clear and coherent communication.
• Students describe connections between theatre skills and potential career or educational paths outside theatre.

Prerequisite Knowledge

Students should have basic familiarity with theatre roles and experiences, such as acting or production participation, and basic computer skills to use digital tools for documentation and presentation.

Key Vocabulary

• Electronic portfolio
• Research project
• Journal
• Documentation
• Presentation
• Theatre skills
• Career connections

Materials and Resources

• Computers or tablets with internet access
• Digital portfolio platforms (e.g., Google Sites, Seesaw) or journal apps
• Examples of electronic portfolios or theatre journals
• Projector or screen for presentations

Teacher Preparation

• Prepare examples of electronic portfolios and theatre journals to show students.
• Set up accounts or access to digital platforms for students to use.
• Prepare guiding questions and prompts for reflection and presentation.
• Familiarize with TEKS standards TEKS.117.315.05G and TEKS.117.315.05H.

Detailed Lesson Notes

Understanding Electronic Portfolios and Journals in Theatre

Electronic portfolios are digital collections where students can compile their theatre work, reflections, and research projects. Journals are ongoing records of experiences and thoughts related to theatre activities. Both tools help students organize and present their learning clearly and coherently. Using these technologies supports documentation of growth and critical evaluation of performances.

Using Technology to Document Theatre Experiences

Students can use digital platforms to create portfolios or journals that include written reflections, photos, videos, and research findings. This documentation should be organized logically, with clear headings and coherent explanations. Technology tools enable multimedia presentations that enhance communication and understanding of theatre work.

Connecting Theatre Skills to Higher Education and Careers

Theatre skills such as collaboration, communication, creativity, and problem-solving are valuable in many fields beyond theatre. Students should explore how their theatre experiences relate to careers in education, media, business, and more. Understanding these connections helps students see the relevance of theatre in their future educational and career paths.

Instructional Strategies for Teaching Technology Use in Theatre

Model how to create and organize an electronic portfolio or journal entry. Guide students through selecting content, writing reflections, and using digital tools. Encourage peer feedback to improve clarity and coherence. Use role play or short scene work to generate content for documentation. Facilitate discussions on career connections to theatre skills.

Common Misconceptions and Challenges

Students may think technology use is only about typing or uploading files; emphasize the importance of thoughtful organization and clear communication. Some may believe theatre skills are only useful in theatre careers; clarify the broad applicability of these skills. Technical challenges with digital tools may arise; provide support and alternatives as needed.

Worked Examples

Classroom Activity

List personal theatre experiences and explore features of digital platforms for documentation.

Guided Practice

Independent Practice

1. Foundational: What is an electronic portfolio and how can it be used in theatre?
2. Developing: List three types of information you could include in a theatre journal.
3. Application: Explain how you would organize a digital portfolio entry about your role in a theatre production to make it clear and coherent.
4. Analysis: How do theatre skills like communication and collaboration connect to careers outside of theatre? Provide two examples.
5. Challenge: Create a plan for a research project using technology to explore a theatre career that interests you. What tools would you use and how would you present your findings?

Independent Practice Teacher Answer Key

1. 1. An electronic portfolio is a digital collection of a student's theatre work, such as photos, videos, and reflections, used to document and present their experiences clearly.
2. 2. You could include descriptions of rehearsals, reflections on performances, and research about a play or theatre technique.
3. 3. I would organize it with headings for each section, include photos or videos related to my role, and write reflections explaining what I learned and experienced.
4. 4. Communication and collaboration are important in many careers, such as business where teamwork is essential, and education where clear communication helps teaching.
5. 5. I would use online databases and interviews to gather information, organize my research in a digital portfolio with text and videos, and present it using a slideshow or website to clearly share what I learned.

Guiding Questions

• What information is important to include when documenting theatre work?
• How can technology help you communicate your theatre experiences?
• What skills have you gained from theatre that apply to other careers?
• How can you organize your digital portfolio to be clear and coherent?

Common Misconceptions

• Technology use in theatre is only about typing or uploading files; it also involves organizing and communicating ideas clearly.
• Theatre skills are only useful for theatre careers; they apply to many other fields like education, business, and media.
• Electronic portfolios and journals are just for teachers; they are tools for students to reflect and showcase their learning.

Differentiation

Assessment

• Observe students creating portfolio entries and provide feedback on organization and clarity.
• Ask students to explain how their theatre skills connect to other careers during discussions.
• Use exit tickets where students write one way technology helps document theatre work.
• Write one example of theatre work you could document using technology.
• Explain why clear organization is important in a digital portfolio.
• Name one career outside theatre where theatre skills might be useful.
• Create a complete electronic portfolio documenting a theatre project with reflections and multimedia.
• Present your portfolio to the class explaining your documentation choices and career connections.

Answer Guide

• What is an electronic portfolio and how can it be used in theatre?
  Answer: An electronic portfolio is a digital collection of theatre work and reflections that helps students document and present their experiences clearly.
• List three types of information you could include in a theatre journal.
  Answer: Descriptions of rehearsals, reflections on performances, and research about plays or theatre techniques.
• Explain how you would organize a digital portfolio entry about your role in a theatre production to make it clear and coherent.
  Answer: Organize with headings, include photos or videos, and write reflections explaining learning and experiences.
• How do theatre skills like communication and collaboration connect to careers outside of theatre? Provide two examples.
  Answer: They are important in careers like business, where teamwork is needed, and education, where clear communication is essential.
• Create a plan for a research project using technology to explore a theatre career that interests you. What tools would you use and how would you present your findings?
  Answer: Use online research and interviews, organize findings in a digital portfolio with multimedia, and present with a slideshow or website.

Real-Life Application

Encourage students to interview a family member or community member about how skills from theatre or performance have helped them in their career or education and share findings in their journal.

Homework or Home Connection

• Encourage students to interview a family member or community member about how skills from theatre or performance have helped them in their career or education and share findings in their journal.

Lesson Summary

In this lesson, students learn to use technology tools like electronic portfolios and journals to document and present their theatre experiences clearly and coherently. They explore how theatre skills connect to higher education and careers beyond theatre, helping them see the broader value of their learning. Through creating digital documentation and reflecting on career connections, students develop critical evaluation and communication skills aligned with TEKS standards.

Teacher Notes

Use the exact standards alignment and retrieved-source provenance stored with this enrichment.

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