Digital+Devices+Exploration!


 * Lesson Plan:** Digital Device Exploration!


 * Lesson Overview:**
 * Through this lesson, students will actively research terms associated with today’s digital devices from credible Internet sources. After this foundation information is developed, students will actively discover the uses of various digital devices, including tablets, portable media players, cell phones, video and digital recorders, personal computers and laptops. After exploring the devices in detail, students will collaboratively complete a data collection GoogleDoc, reflect on their experiences through higher-order synthesizing and evaluating questions, and present a newly created device or application they propose students can use in academic settings.


 * State/National Content Standards:**
 * Information Technology
 * 2.1 Differentiate between microcomputer, minicomputer, and mainframe operating systems including handheld devices (e.g., tablets, PDA, pocket PC)
 * 14.4 Identify types of computers, how they process information and how individual computers interact with other computing systems and devices
 * 16.9 Identify and describe connectivity devices


 * State Academic Standards:**
 * Acquisition of Vocabulary Standard
 * Concepts of Print, Comprehension Strategies and Self-Monitoring Strategies Standard
 * Writing Convention Standard


 * NETS Standards:**
 * 1) Creativity and Innovation
 * 2) Communication and Collaboration
 * 3) Research and Information Fluency
 * 4) Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making
 * 5) Digital Citizenship
 * 6) Technology Operations and Concepts

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
 * Lesson Objectives:**
 * Define the term computer
 * Define the four processes computers preform
 * Distinguish between various handheld devices
 * Classify devices as computers or non-computer
 * Identify at least three applications they can utilize in academic settings


 * Supplies/Resources Needed:**
 * Computer
 * Projector
 * Internet connection
 * Microsoft PowerPoint or similar program
 * Digital Devices Terminology Sheet
 * Digital Devices Terminology Sheet Key
 * Digital Devices PowerPoint
 * Digital Devices Activity Sheet (Teacher should put form on GoogleDocs)
 * Digital Devices Activity Reflection Sheet
 * Digital Devices Activity Reflection Sheet Key
 * Digital Device or Application Rubric
 * iPads
 * iPods
 * Flip Cameras
 * Notebook Laptops
 * Camera
 * Computers
 * Cell Phones


 * Lesson Notes (if needed):**
 * Provide appropriate accommodations for students on IEPs (typed notes, instructions, etc.)


 * Lesson Outline:**
 * Day One
 * Review input, output, and the four processes of a computer
 * Students complete //Digital Devices Terminology// Sheet by researching answers online
 * Present //Digital Devices// PowerPoint to reinforce understanding and facilitate classroom discussion
 * Day Two
 * //Before class preparation://
 * //Split students into teams based on varying skill level, class dynamics and number of devices available//
 * //Set up group stations throughout room with correct number and types of devices//
 * Once split into groups, have students collaboratively share devices and complete the //Digital Devices Activity// Sheet using Google Docs
 * Day Three
 * Have students independently complete //Digital Devices Activity Reflection// Sheet
 * Have students create a presentation on the digital device or application they created in the //Digital Devices Activity Reflection// Sheet (use //Digital Device or Application Rubric// form for presentation content)
 * Day Four
 * //Digital Device or Application// presentations
 * Discuss with students their experiences with various handheld devices and their overall experiences with the lab activity


 * Check for Understanding:**
 * Informal discussion with students
 * //Digital Devices Terminology// Sheet
 * //Digital Devices Activity// Sheet (Groups - Google Docs)
 * //Digital Devices Activity Reflection// Sheet (Independently)


 * Lesson Reflection:**
 * 1) This particular lesson has the potential to be a success. In addition to being actively engaging to students as they are able to feel, touch, and “play with” actual digital devices, but they are also having to actively research and discover information prior to doing so. This lesson will peak student interest because they are able to explore digital devices they might not normally have access to while stilling learning the IT content.
 * 2) A teacher should always anticipate problems with any lesson. This lesson also may encounter, as described above, has the potential to be very time consuming. Additionally, some teachers and schools may not have adequate access to the digital devices needed for student exploration in this lesson. This problem can be resolved by having students bring in their own devices, or having them simply complete the data sheet and reflection by researching the Internet. Finally, as with any lesson, technology failures or network outages pose a threat to this lesson.
 * 3) In total, this lesson could fit very easily into the Information Technology curriculum. Teachers in other content areas may be able to utilize this lesson with some modifications in order to touch presentation skills, research skills, as well as in teaching students the advantages of certain computer applications to their particular content area (for example, students in a foreign language class could research language translators or international customs using the tablet device).