Learning From, Learning Through and Learning With Technology

Presented by: Audrey NG, Neil Cornett and

Amy Wright

Agenda Digital Education Technology

How technology can be used as a mind tool in support of learning in Grade 7 History

Grade 7 French Immersion

Topic to study (choices given)

Research phase

Field Trip (virtual)

Blog / Scrapblog (Collaboration)

Oral presentation (digital slideshows, display boards, etc)

Digital Education Technology

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) classed software

Has voice + video capabilities

Founded in 2003 (Luxembourg)

Intra-Skype communication is free

Connecting to landline or other device costs money

Well over a half billion registered users worldwide

May 10, 2011, Microsoft acquired Skype for $8.5B

Critical Examination of Skype

Advantages

Convenient (weather, geographic location etc.)

Cost Effective

Can facilitate different student choices

Disadvantages

Uncertainty around future of Skype

Training required for curator

Skype as Mind Tool Grade 7 History (French Immersion)

Description of Assignment

Research Phase (1 week)

Field Trip (1 day)

Discussion (blog/scrapblog) (2days)

Presentation (20 minutes/group)

Internet Research Phase

Choice of Personalities

1.    Isaac Brock (major general)

2.    Tecumseh ( Shawnee chief)

3.    Laura Secord ( private individual)

4.    Charles-Michel de Salaberry ( militia organizer)

5.    Henry Proctor (general)

6.    John By (lieutenant-colonel)

Research Questions

Laura Secord as a person Importance of her role in battle of 1812 Associations with her name today

Virtual Tour via Skype

Interaction with Curator

Field Trip Phase

Blog / Scrapblog

Comment on experience

Share ideas

Address questions

Discussion

Discussion Phase

Discussion - Blog Questions

Laura Secord

If her husband was not hurt, do you think Laura Secord would have been the hero she is? Why?

How did her actions (making a detour and walking 20 km for 20 hours so as not to get caught) lead to the winning of the battle?

 Why do you think it took many years (1860) for her to be recognized as a hero? What does that say about the role of women in society in those days?

Discussion - Blog Questions

Tecumseh

During the American revolution, many Shawnee villages were destroyed by the Americans. Tecumseh realized that the natives had to unite to survive. How important was that decision?

Do you think the Shawnee people made the right choice to be the allies of the British? Why?

What do you think would have been the outcome of the battle if Tecumseh had not died?

Presentation Phase

Presentation Options:

Digital Slideshows

Display Boards

Posters

Discussion Question

This presentation has suggested that Skype can be used as a mind tool to help students learn by bringing a field trip in the classroom. What are other ways in which Skype might be used as a valuable educational tool?

References

Bain, C.M. , DesRivieres, D. (2007). Canadian History 7. Pearson Education Centre. Toronto, Canada.

Ontario Ministry of Education Curriculum. Retrieved on May 20,2011 from website: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum

http://www.google.com/imghp