In order to look at the novel nature of this project it is
necessary to compare it to how I would have previously taught this without integration of technology. The old way would have emphasized student
presentation with paper posters, power point at best and probably lots of
copious writing and more teacher activity. The depth of work would probably not
be as comprehensive and enriching as that which is driven by technology because
it is more tedious looking for information from the library compared to researching
on- line using google or google scholar. ‘
Teacher Creativity
First and foremost, I would like the project to look more like a seminar than a normal class. As I put the students into groups they learn to play to their strengths and natural leaders emerge from the groups. In thinking through the lesson delivery, questions to be asked must include, what technology applications can be integrated to enable the lesson come alive. While I selected a collage, short video clips and social media for the final presentations, it is prudent to allow the students to come up with their own improvisations that may even supersede what I have in mind since young people tend to be more tech savvy than teachers sometimes.
In designing a lesson such as this it is also necessary to focus on the core points of the lesson which is the impact of the Trans- Atlantic slave trade on the USA. The slave trade is intrinsically linked with the history and struggles of black people in the United States and therefore the teacher would have to skillfully use relevant You tube videos to trace some of the current struggles of black people including police brutality, incarceration and deprivation in some black communities that have their roots in the plantation fieldwork. A virtual tour of some of the monumental edifices of the slave trade could also be added (Some of these are World heritage centers). This would demand a lot of planning and creativity regarding videos that would provoke a lot of thought and discussion. Overall, the focus should be on how the students process the causes of the trade and the perspectives of all the various actors as well as the ramifications for society today. In order to reach this point a lot would depend on effective planning, how the students would be engaged especially with the technology and eventually their presentations.
Teacher Creativity
First and foremost, I would like the project to look more like a seminar than a normal class. As I put the students into groups they learn to play to their strengths and natural leaders emerge from the groups. In thinking through the lesson delivery, questions to be asked must include, what technology applications can be integrated to enable the lesson come alive. While I selected a collage, short video clips and social media for the final presentations, it is prudent to allow the students to come up with their own improvisations that may even supersede what I have in mind since young people tend to be more tech savvy than teachers sometimes.
In designing a lesson such as this it is also necessary to focus on the core points of the lesson which is the impact of the Trans- Atlantic slave trade on the USA. The slave trade is intrinsically linked with the history and struggles of black people in the United States and therefore the teacher would have to skillfully use relevant You tube videos to trace some of the current struggles of black people including police brutality, incarceration and deprivation in some black communities that have their roots in the plantation fieldwork. A virtual tour of some of the monumental edifices of the slave trade could also be added (Some of these are World heritage centers). This would demand a lot of planning and creativity regarding videos that would provoke a lot of thought and discussion. Overall, the focus should be on how the students process the causes of the trade and the perspectives of all the various actors as well as the ramifications for society today. In order to reach this point a lot would depend on effective planning, how the students would be engaged especially with the technology and eventually their presentations.