We are now in an era where technology is encompassed in everyday life. In my classroom I am teaching 21st century learners who have never seen a world without technology. Thomas and Brown discuss the importance of the learning environment that students are in. These environments must reflect and produce change so students can understand where to find information, how to collect and represent their understandings, and how to play among their learning (2011).
One of the goals in my classroom is to connect what students learn to their lives. In this task, students will use rational numbers (decimals, whole numbers, positive and negative numbers) to balance Katie’s debit card. The students will need to factor in her deposits, expenses and fees to determine if Katie has enough money to purchase a purse. The students will create an Excel Spreadsheet using formulas as a way to balance Katie’s debit card. The ideas embedded within this task involve real life scenarios in which the students can relate to. This will help them to understand the importance of rational numbers and how technology plays a key role within it. This lesson is focused on student discourse and collaboration. I plan to guide students thinking through asking them questions as they progress throughout this task. I will not do much “teaching” throughout this lesson, as much of the learning is in the hands of the students. They will be given all of the necessary materials to complete this lesson, truly encompassing the 21st century critical thinking and problem solving learner.
This lesson plan allows students to generate a digital model that represents their learning (Thomas and Brown, 2011). The students will utilize Hobb’s core competencies of analyzing and creating to complete this lesson (2011). They will need to be critical thinkers and problem solvers to determine how to solve the task and how it could be represented digitally. Students will then create a working representation of the task using Excel Spreadsheets, integration formulas within it. The analysis of the task and creation of the formulas in the spreadsheet will push students recognize the value and importance this could have in their lives.
References
Hobbs, R. (2011). Digital and media literacy: Connecting culture and classroom. Thousand, Oaks, CA: Corwin/Sage.
Thomas, D., & Brown, J. S. (2011). A new culture of learning: Cultivating the imagination for a world of constant change. Lexington, Ky: CreateSpace?.
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