Why use Multimedia in the Classroom?

This is the second and final ASSURE lesson plan for ED451. When I saw the topic multimedia, I thought “Gettysburg Address.” I do not know why. However, I played with that idea and decided to use. My initial idea was to show the students a documentary about the Battle of Gettysburg. It was a bloody three-day battle, where the Confederates led by General Robert E. Lee lost. This was a major blow to the Confederates morale, eventually leading to the surrender (“Battle of Gettysburg” paras. 1-6). But, these three-days still remained fresh in history. It is memorable in two regards. First, the battle was significant because it showed a turning point in the Civil War. Second, Abraham Lincoln was not critical of the Confederates in his great speech. I wanted students to understand this. The best way is to immerse them in it.

Following the documentary, I would have the students do further research including another view of the battle. The purpose of the research is to have alternative views from soldiers on the battlefield. It is to get a better idea of the emotional speech of Abraham Lincoln and the importance of the battle. Using this knowledge, I wanted the students to create a skit or produce a presentation of a unique perspective of the battle.

Compared to the last lesson plan, I have added a rubric and more information of what I will do. I tried to make this as student-centered as possible. The sad part about all of this is that I will never know if this will be effective. I can only assume that it will be. Perhaps when I become a teacher, I can try to implement this and see how it goes. I did a mock trial, which I pretended to be a substitute. It gave me a better idea of how to improve on the lesson plan. Also, I took a look at several Assure lesson plans (something I did not do last time). This gave me a better idea of how to make a little more comprehensive lesson plan.

Finally, what part of the NET*T standard does this fulfill? I took a look at the standards, and I was surprised. If covered that following standard:

2. A.design developmentally appropriate learning opportunities that apply technology-enhanced

instructional strategies to support the diverseneeds of learners.

2.B. apply current research on teaching and learning with technology when planning learning

environments and experiences.

2.E. plan strategies to manage student learning in a technology-enhanced environment.

3.A. facilitate technology-enhanced experiences that address content standards and student

technology standards.

3.B. use technology to support learner-centered strategies that address the diverse needs of

students.

3.C. apply technology to develop students’ higher order skills and creativity.

4.A. apply technology in assessing student learning of subject matter using a variety of assessment

techniques. (ISTE, NETS for Teachers 2000)

Many see history as the same as the Latin language, useless. Why study history? I was hoping that this lesson focused on this way of thinking. I want the students to be excited about history. I believe this is the best way. Students have to understand that history is not only the key to our past, but our culture. It is our identity of who we are and where we come from. I hope to be that teacher who will help nurture that in students.

Resources:

Battle of Gettysburg. (n.d.). Retrieved March 31, 2009, from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Gettysburg.

NETS for Teachers 2000. Retrieved March 20, 2009, from ISTE: http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2000Standards/NETS_for_Teachers_2000.htm.