Digital Divide

This assignment about the Digital Divide was very interesting for me, not only because of the topic but also because of completing the project collaboratively online with a group of people from several different time zones.  I learned a lot about the process of trying to work with others and dealing with time zone issues, technology issues, and just the overall group dynamics and how they are affected by not being able to meet and discuss in person.  As a group we researched, discussed, and ranked options to help address the issues surrounding the Digital Divide .  The following VoiceThread presentation is was created collaboratively as a Google Presentation and uploaded and narrated by each group member.

Digital Divide

Horizon Report Tech Trend

The following document is a lesson plan using one of the tools, tablet computing, discussed in the New Media Consortium Horizon Report.  I chose this particular tool, specifically iPads, because it is such a current tool today.  Many students and teachers already have iPads for personal use, and more and more schools are acquiring them for use in the classroom, so creating a lesson that utilizes such a tool seemed particularly relevant and applicable immediately.  Students enjoy using iPads because they are interacting and engaging and it allows them to take ownership of their learning rather than simply being told definitions to write down and memorize.  Additionally, the App that is needed for use with the lesson I have created is a free version of a very common program called Geometer’s Sketchpad, that many math teachers are already familiar with.  This familiarity will make it easier for teachers who may have limited knowledge of the iPad to begin integrating it into their classroom.

The following AECT Standards apply to this lesson:

• 1.1 Instructional Systems Design-I had to determine procedure necessary to develop and implement the lesson
• 1.2 Message Design-I had to plan how the message would physical be delivered
• 1.3 Instructional Strategies – I had to determine which instructional strategies would appropriate for the activities in this lesson
• 2.2 Audiovisual Technologies – The lesson is delivered using iPads
• 2.3 Computer-Based Technologies – the Sketchpad explorer App must be downloaded to the iPads
• 2.4 Integrated Technologies – the teacher can use a document camera or computer software and projector to project the iPad or GSP
• 3.1 Media Utilization – different forms of media are used to increase student engagement
• 3.3 Implementation and Institutionalization – this lesson is designed to be used in an actual classroom setting and iPads can be incorporated regularly to become part of the routine in the classroom
• 4.3 Delivery System Management – as the teacher and planner of the lesson I had to determine the best way to distribute the material, in this case choosing to do so with a iPads

Here is the lesson plan:

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