Lesson 1: Blog Phase 1- Assessing Prior Knowledge

How would prior experience have been assessed?

• In teaching this lesson with 1st graders I would use the discussion prior to the activity to find out what they know. I would ask questions regarding the definition of a habitat, the parts of a habitat, the importance of these parts, and the importance of the habitat as a whole. I would also ask them about their own habitats.

What would you expect to learn from assessing your students' prior knowledge?

• The questions regarding definition and details would help me in planning my explanation of the content. There may be some things they need more coverage on than others.
• The questions about the value of these components would give me an idea about their understanding of animals and their needs as living beings, as well as their needs as far as understanding the point of the lesson.
• The questions regarding their own habitat would help in figuring out if they grasp the larger concept of habitats and can relate the topic to their own experiences.

How would this information be useful in the planning pprocess?

• I would use all of this information in planning the next stage of the discussion in which I explain the parts of a habitat and their value, with input from the students regarding their thoughts on the topic.

Meeting Diverse Needs of Learners Through Learner-Centered Strategies and Equitable Access

Every person learns differently, and technology is a great tool to use in differentiating lessons to fit multiple learning styles. There are programs and tech for all sorts of learners and children with disabilities. All of these technologies are easily utilized in classrooms and many are even free.

Programs like Kidspiration, and iTunes U are great for visual and auditory learners. They allow users to interact independently with books and ideas in ways that allow them to see their ideas and reading unfold before them, as well as listen to themselves or a computer reading their work back to them. These programs are great tools for self-correction as well. Students can adjust their work as they go along with little or no teacher feedback.

There are video games and computer games that work with cameras such as Wii Fit that track motion and provide interactive learning activities for hands on and active learners. Some students need movement to learn and remember content, and although many of these programs were not designed specifically for classrooms, they can be amazing tools for teachers and students. Motion activated video games can also be great tools for social interaction among students that still keep children active.

In addition to learning tools, there are many types of technology designed specifically for students with disabilities. Gadgets such as SuperTalker give non-verbal students an outlet for communication both inside and outside of the classroom. BIG Step-by-Step GamePlay is a tool that helps with hand-eye coordination and problem solving in game based instructional settings. It allows messages to be recorded and encourages more active participation in learning and social interactions. These tools are not hard to find, and many are very affordable, especially if they are only needed for a small percentage of the school's population. Ablenetinc.com is a great resource for teachers and schools, allowing them to find all sorts of assistive technology, as well as lesson options for students with disabilities.

All of the technologies discussed previously are learner centered. They all provide the students with independent learning opportunities, requiring little to know assistance from instructors. This allows students to take ownership of their learning and really feel as if they are in control of what and how they learn.

Global Awareness and Digital-Age Communication

Technologies in the digital-age are no longer confined to our device or a small network of devices. One can communicate with people all over the world with the simple click of a mouse and a few strokes on a keyboard. The implications of this are enormous. It is important to keep this in mind when using the internet. Different countries have different customs and definitions of what is appropriate. We must be responsible in our use of technology so as not to offend people whose customs may differ from our own.
However, global awareness and communication is not simply about our daily communications and internet use. Many people use web communications, social networking, and even texting to ask for and provide help in global disasters or charities. An example of this is illustrated in a TED Talk by Paul Conneally:


Conneally expresses the transition of the global digital world from expensive, stationary technology that we think of as being only for "developed countries" to handheld devices owned by people in remote areas, who are using technology to make a difference and change their world.