Bloom's digital taxonomy stage 2: Understanding
This activity is designed for intermediate language learners for the 9th grade.
References from the Norwegian curriculum after 7th grade:
- use digital resources and other aids in one's own language learning
- understand and use a vocabulary related to familiar topics
- understand the main content of oral texts about familiar topics
- use digital tools and other aids to find relevant information and to create different types of texts
Aims for lesson plan:
- students should be able to gather information regarding local news in groups of four
- students should be able to compare different local news articles
- students should be able to explain the content of the chosen local news articles
- students should be able to distinguish between local and national news
- students should be able to express own opinions on local news
Technologies used:
- Internet search engines: an important tool for research and finding relevant articles
- Twitter: a popular platform used for communication and expressing opinions. Students gets familiar with one of the most popular platforms used within technology and communication. Students gets familiar with the search function of Twitter, and can search for their local newspaper in order to find relevant information.
Lesson plan:
Introduction with comparisons of local vs. national news. Present some examples of both, and ask students if they often check up on their local news and/or national news. This will function as a "into" stage, where the connection between local news and the impact on their own lives and real world is stated. Ask students if they are familiar with Twitter. If not, explain what it is and some examples of how to use it efficiently, including searching and hashtags. Students will have their computers for this lesson, and will work in groups to find intriguing local news. This falls into the "through" stage, where they may have to comprehend and define difficult words they encounter. They will then choose three articles that they feel the most passionate about, and write down their own opinions regarding the matter. This will create a discussion among the groups where different opinions may collide, although create some healthy discussion regarding subjects impacting their local community. This falls into the "beyond" stage, where the students may come with personal reflections on a local news matter, and why they see it as more important. After each group has decided upon three local news articles, they have the opportunity to present them in front of class. If they do not want to present in front of the class, they can present it in front of other groups of four.
Assessing the success of the activity:
Observing the students while they work in groups. See if they are searching correctly both on Twitter and on the internet search engines, where they find relevant news articles which are local, and not worldwide, national etc. In addition, see if they understood Twitter and how the functions such as the search feature and hashtag functions works. While going around observing the groups presenting to each other I can monitor what they got out of the lesson. If they found any news they were passionate about, or if the lesson created some discussion while they were working and researching. If the assignment created discussion within the groups, and with other groups after they presented to each other or in front of the class, I view that as a success.
Thoughts and reflection:
Considering the success of the use of Twitter, this may be a new exciting technological tool to further use in lessons, and the students may be intrigued and get more experience with it by using it on their own time. Challenges revolve mostly around the introduction of Twitter, although how relevant and useful it can be by using it correctly, students may find themselves more intrigued by other topics on the platform rather than the subject of local news and news in general. For example football-related accounts or something similar which sparks their interest more instead. This is a challenge, however close observing and monitoring how they use the platform is pivotal to ensure that correct research is being done. This lesson should in addition open up the endless possibilities within the realm of Twitter to explore for the students, and other themes can be used in future lessons.
This activity is designed for intermediate language learners for the 9th grade.
References from the Norwegian curriculum after 7th grade:
- use digital resources and other aids in one's own language learning
- understand and use a vocabulary related to familiar topics
- understand the main content of oral texts about familiar topics
- use digital tools and other aids to find relevant information and to create different types of texts
Aims for lesson plan:
- students should be able to gather information regarding local news in groups of four
- students should be able to compare different local news articles
- students should be able to explain the content of the chosen local news articles
- students should be able to distinguish between local and national news
- students should be able to express own opinions on local news
Technologies used:
- Internet search engines: an important tool for research and finding relevant articles
- Twitter: a popular platform used for communication and expressing opinions. Students gets familiar with one of the most popular platforms used within technology and communication. Students gets familiar with the search function of Twitter, and can search for their local newspaper in order to find relevant information.
Lesson plan:
Introduction with comparisons of local vs. national news. Present some examples of both, and ask students if they often check up on their local news and/or national news. This will function as a "into" stage, where the connection between local news and the impact on their own lives and real world is stated. Ask students if they are familiar with Twitter. If not, explain what it is and some examples of how to use it efficiently, including searching and hashtags. Students will have their computers for this lesson, and will work in groups to find intriguing local news. This falls into the "through" stage, where they may have to comprehend and define difficult words they encounter. They will then choose three articles that they feel the most passionate about, and write down their own opinions regarding the matter. This will create a discussion among the groups where different opinions may collide, although create some healthy discussion regarding subjects impacting their local community. This falls into the "beyond" stage, where the students may come with personal reflections on a local news matter, and why they see it as more important. After each group has decided upon three local news articles, they have the opportunity to present them in front of class. If they do not want to present in front of the class, they can present it in front of other groups of four.
Assessing the success of the activity:
Observing the students while they work in groups. See if they are searching correctly both on Twitter and on the internet search engines, where they find relevant news articles which are local, and not worldwide, national etc. In addition, see if they understood Twitter and how the functions such as the search feature and hashtag functions works. While going around observing the groups presenting to each other I can monitor what they got out of the lesson. If they found any news they were passionate about, or if the lesson created some discussion while they were working and researching. If the assignment created discussion within the groups, and with other groups after they presented to each other or in front of the class, I view that as a success.
Thoughts and reflection:
Considering the success of the use of Twitter, this may be a new exciting technological tool to further use in lessons, and the students may be intrigued and get more experience with it by using it on their own time. Challenges revolve mostly around the introduction of Twitter, although how relevant and useful it can be by using it correctly, students may find themselves more intrigued by other topics on the platform rather than the subject of local news and news in general. For example football-related accounts or something similar which sparks their interest more instead. This is a challenge, however close observing and monitoring how they use the platform is pivotal to ensure that correct research is being done. This lesson should in addition open up the endless possibilities within the realm of Twitter to explore for the students, and other themes can be used in future lessons.
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