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Tech Integration Project
Lesson Accelerator: Project Overview

Plot Master
Software Type: Presentation
The example project created in this Lesson Accelerator addresses NETS Performance Indicators for middle grades as used in a(n) English/Language Arts curriculum. It could also be used with older learners or adapted for lower grades. See the section on Extending and Adapting at the bottom of this page for ideas on how to use this same project for different subjects, grades, and skill levels.
Project Launchers
Lesson Accelerator Project Launcher pages contain video tutorials that show you, step-by-step, how to create this project using specific software applications, as well as a movie showing you what the finished project looks like. They also provide a download of all the example files used in the project, so you can recreate it.
When you've reviewed all the information on this page and would like to go to a Project Launcher, click the application name below that corresponds to the one you'd like to use for the project.
Go to: PowerPoint 2007 (PC) - Project Launcher
Go to: PowerPoint 2003 (PC) - Project Launcher
Go to: PowerPoint 2004 (Mac) - Project Launcher
Go to: PowerPoint 2008 (Mac) - Project Launcher
Description
For this project, students will use presentation software to create a non-linear or branching story in which the reader determines the plot line as he/she makes choices throughout the story. Students will use creative writing skills to develop multiple plot lines in the story. They will use buttons to create hyperlinks in the story to allow the reader to make choices at various points in the story. The readers' choices will then determine the course of the story plot.
Goals
To provide students the opportunity to create a non-linear presentation to demonstrate their creative writing and grammar skills.
Objectives
The student will be able to:
  • Create a non-linear presentation, using hyperlinks and buttons.
  • Create and format the background of a slide.
  • Insert a graphic using the clip art gallery.
  • Create, modify, and format text on his/her slide.
  • Write a creative story with multiple branches.
  • Use appropriate writing mechanics.
Preparation and Skill Mastery
Students should have mastered basic computer skills, including opening and closing applications, using input devices (keyboard, mouse, etc.), and saving to a personal folder. Students will need to understand the concept of a non-linear, or branching, storyline. The teacher could demonstrate this with a storyboard or flowchart, prior to beginning work at the computer. If students will be writing their own stories, they should create a storyboard to show the story branches, and write the text for each slide, before beginning the project.
Materials
  • A computer with presentation software installed
  • The example text or text the student has written, along with a storyboard or flowchart illustrating the story branches
  • A printer (optional)
Task List
The tasks to be completed for this project include:
  • Beginning a new presentation and choosing a slide design.
  • Creating and formatting a title slide.
  • Creating slides for the first branch of the story.
  • Creating buttons to link the choices for the first branch of the story.
  • Creating slides for the second branch of the story.
  • Creating buttons to link the choices for the second branch of the story.
  • Creating navigational buttons to advance forward and backward.
  • Setting the slide transitions.
Assessment
Assessment can be based on the following:
  • Can the student demonstrate the ability to create a new presentation, and choose a slide design?
  • Is the student able to add and edit text on his/her slides?
  • Is the student able to link the appropriate slides within his/her presentation?
  • Is the student able to demonstrate the use of appropriate writing skills?
  • Has the student made effective use of the technology tool in completing this project?
Extending or Adapting
Here are some possible ways that this lesson plan might be extended or adapted for different timeframes, grade levels, and skill/ability levels:
  • The example project has been categorized as an English or Language Arts exercise; however, the skills learned by completing the example presentation could be applied toward creating presentations about any subject under study.
  • This project may be completed individually, or by groups of students.
  • Students can focus on including specific story development concepts in their stories, such as metaphors, character dialog, foreshadowing, etc.
  • Students can create stories for younger students to use. Audio narration could be added to each slide using the recording feature in the presentation software. The audio could be played back automatically or by clicking a button on the slide.
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