The signs of the technological revolution are everywhere: children with their cell phones and iPods; teachers with their laptops, digital presentations and parents and teachers and children with their blackberries. The possibilities, of course, are endless…
As teachers working in the digital age, we also need to think a bit more digitally, both in the sense of the word as a user and as a learner. This can be challenging, especially if you’re used to working (and thinking) a certain way.
In an ideal media-based lesson, we use technology to address motivation and (media) literacy. And just like a regular pencil and paper lesson, we still need to think about how to engage students while also monitoring their behavior on homework and measuring their progress and achievement.
While it’s impossible to always keep up with all the new technology trends in the classroom, there are certain lesson planning basics that teachers need before they even know what they’re going to teach. Here are five tips for planning a successful media-based lesson.
Tip 1. Start small. While there are endless possibilities for how to engage students, we also need to be comfortable with whatever digital technology we are using.
Stick to the type of technology that best suits you and your personality and the learning needs of your students. However, if your school forces you to use a Smartboard, accept your fate in peace for now and learn from the experiences.
Tip 2. Here’s an important but tricky tip… LEARN new technology as often as possible. While you’re at it, get into the minds of your students by critically evaluating the products. Anticipate any problems that you and your students might encounter and write them down quickly. Ask other teachers how they manage. There is nothing better than making an informed decision.
Tip 3. Plan your lesson.
Here are some suggestions to help you plan a digitally mediated lesson.
What might be difficult for them to understand/cope/manage? Easy?
How can you control the pace of the material using differentiated instruction techniques?
When might a student lose homework?
How does technology mediate before, during and after students have worked?
How will they receive instructions?
What do you hope students will learn by the end of the lesson(s)?
How will you evaluate their work?
How many lessons will this product use?
How much practice time will students have?
Will students work separately, in pairs, or in groups? If necessary, use a seating plan to help neutralize the group dynamic.
Tip 4. Get help and support. If you plan to start using the new product or technology resource soon, ask a mentor, technology expert, or coach to guide you. Learn slowly (either alone or with a partner) to avoid stress and overwhelm.
Tip 5. Think organized. Every well-planned digital lesson has its failure. No internet connection, slow computers, not enough computers, no tech support. Hot classrooms… any problem can be a potential problem. Try to minimize the number of these annoying problems, making sure that your lesson runs as smoothly as possible.
1. Reserve the computer room in advance (if necessary)
2. Make sure the equipment is in working order.
3. Make sure you have enough computers. Use a seating chart to set up your seating arrangements.
4. Make sure you have Plan B and even Plan C. This could be using worksheets or working strictly from WORD. Also have a support plan for difficult and challenging students and situations.
Don’t assume that because children think digitally that your lesson will be smooth. Children need to be carefully instructed in exactly what you expect them to know and do. Keep learning new technologies and plan for success, and your students will be more engaged.
