_Technology Applications
_The use of technology in this integrated thematic unit will be crucial.
While the application of technology will be evident throughout the ITU
it will be done so with care. The instructors do not want students to
become disinterested with the lack of technology. However if too much
technology is used in this lesson the true focus will be lost.
Therefore technology used in this ITU will be broken into two parts; the
technology used by instructors and technology used by students.
Technology in Teaching
Due to the nature of this ITU the technology used during instruction will be limited. The rationale behind this decision is that if the instructor uses too much technology the ITU becomes about the lecture and less about student-centered learning. Therefore the only technology the instructor will use will be a projector and Prezi presentation.
Technology for Student Use
Throughout the course of the ITU students will use a variety of technology that assists them in visualizing the theme of this ITU. There will be three main technology tools that students will utilize during the course of this ITU.
- Virtual Field Trip - In order to gain insight into heroes, the characteristics of being a hero and how he or she can become a hero students will take a virtual field trip. Students will visit Heroism in Action where they will learn about the qualities of true heroes and learn about different ways they can give back to their communities in order to consider themselves heroes.
- Facebook and/or Twitter - During the first portion of the ITU student groups will be formed and will select a historical or literary hero or heroine. Student groups will investigate the hero or heroine and create either a Facebook or Twitter page for that hero. Student groups will be tasked with posting at least 20 status updates/tweets. These messages must correspond to their heroes attitudes, viewpoints or in response to another hero from the class. During the final stage of the ITU student groups will participate in a Facebook/Twitter discussion using a designated hashtag and Tweetdeck.
- iMovie - During the course of the service learning project several students will be tasked with filming the project. These students will then put together a video montage on the process of learning about heroism and becoming heroes by giving back to the local community.