Engagement Activities
Mobile phones are the device that all students have in
their pockets in the 21st century. They constantly have access to a
range of means of communication and networks, including via text, chat and
facebook on their phones. Therefore it only makes sense that teachers be encouraged
to use them in the classroom to keep the students engaged. How to use them, in
a way that is safe and non distracting may initially seem difficult. But there
are many ways they can be used constructively in the classroom.
As Michael Soskil discusses if we are preparing students
for the real world, then they should be encouraged to use mobile phones which
are tools that are essential in the modern business world. A humorous and
interesting analogy can be drawn with a statement by Delores Umbridge in the
Harry Potter series. Professor Umbridge informs her Defence Against the Dark
Arts class that for their practical class they will not be using their wands: “Children,
put away your wands. You won’t be needing them”. The students all become disheartened
and disengaged with their lesson at this point.
In a hospitality class, the camera on a mobile phone can
be used to take photos of student’s dishes. The students can then upload their
images onto a range of mulitimodal platforms, including facebook, Instagram,
blogs and wiki. Below is an example of a pumpkin soup dish that I have prepared and taken a photo
of on my mobile. I then uploaded it to the computer using Bluetooth.
Another function on a mobile phone, is to use it as a
video camera. This could be utilised in the classroom, where students can visually
record their preparations of making a dish, and upload the recorded step by
step instructions on how to make it. Below is a very short application of this
example that I created.
ZooBurst is an online animated booklet that will inspire students
to engage and create a 3D booklet on any topic given by the teacher. This fun
and easy program can be used by all students of varying literacy levels,
including students with learning difficulties, as they can put together
pictures to make a story with minimal writing. Students are able to work individually
or collaboratively to produce a booklet.
Working in groups students can
share ideas and start to put together their animated booklet. In the area of Home
Economics, it can be used to show fellow students the steps involved in making a recipe.
With ZooBurst we must ensure that as
teachers we scaffold the learning in such a way that students are able to
achieve the desired learning outcomes and not become too distracted by the ‘bells
and whistles’ of this web tool.
Bubbl.us is an online concept mapping web tool that helps
students to organise their thoughts and formulate ideas. This virtual medium
allows students to engage in abstract and complex interaction in an exciting
manner. For example, in a hospitality class students could be asked to use
bubbl.us to create a concept map that can be used to help design a themed dinner
menu. Students would explore the theme using the concept map, and create links
to possible dishes and designs, and make choices as to what is the most suitable
for the occasion. One of the advantages of using this web tool is that it can
be accessed from home so that students can continue their learning outside the
classroom. However, the web tool bubbl.us, whilst providing a useful way of students
organising their thoughts and ideas online, in essence, it is no different to
the Smart Art tool in a basic word
document.
As teachers, we are always trying to find ways to engage
student. Therefore by incorporating these animated webs tools in the classroom,
students will be willing to learn and participate in a variety of ways to help
achieve their learning outcomes
(This is an example of a basic ZooBurst that I created.)
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