Unit Five - Supplements & Supports
Objectives
At the conclusion of this unit, you will be able to:
- develop supplemental activities to accompany the software.
- Integrate the activities with the software.
Instruction
In the example lesson at the beginning, I felt there was the need for a slight modification to the learning support materials. Keep in mind that in order for your students to get the most out of their mobile device experience, they will need to be as independent and able to explore as possible. I felt the index cards would need a little help from the addition of pictures. In order for the recording to go as smoothly as possible without extended delays, some students would need to see the image in order to say the initial word efficiently. I like to use realistic black and white line drawings for my images. The photocopy the best and are the easiest to read. The index card in a way is a part of the process. See image, say word. See word, write letters.
As part of the software evaluation process, I identified some weaknesses in the software that need to be addressed. There was a serious lack of intuitive use and guidance. I knew I needed to create some process support materials. Whenever creating guide materials on computers or mobile devices, be suer to find out how you can capture screens. It makes the process of generating helpful guidance much easier. After I gathered all of the screen captures, I needed a method to communicate actions without using words. I chose to use a red hallow circle and number along with a pointing finger for touching actions, talking mouth for speaking and a stop sign to indicate the last step. Knowing your students will change the way these documents are done. Some students may be only able to handle one direction on a piece of paper at a time. The guide sheets and index cards would be printed and placed next to the device.
I hope you enjoyed and learned as much as possible. I truly believe mobile devices and appropriate pedagogy can make a valuable difference in any student's life, no matter their ability. Thank you and please be sure to leave a message wherever you feel the need.
Check Your Knowledge
This can be the most laborious or the easiest part of the process you have taken on thus far. You will need the additional plans you created in the last unit and the evaluation paper from unit 3. From these you may need to make support materials for learning and/or process.
Using all that you have learned thus far, you will create instructional and/or process support materials for the lesson and software you have chosen. This is when you will need to focus on the weaknesses of your chosen software. Consult your evaluation paper again to determine where your prep time can be best spent.
Evaluation
Do you feel your objectives were not met? Was there material that was unclear or confusing? Please leave a comment in the discussion area so that I can improve the lesson. Thanks.
- Go Back to Unit Four - Phonological Integration