Diverse Interpretations, Discussions, & debates

Overview

In this module, you will be learning about a variety of instructional technology tools and strategies that support the analysis of diverse historical interpretations, class discussions and student debates.

Objectives

  • transform a traditional lesson plan that incorporates student-centered analysis of primary and secondary source materials through meaningful instructional technology tools and strategies

Wonder

Have you ever wondered how you can help students think critically to make claims and support them with evidence?

Investigate

Choose some tools/strategies from the list below that you'd like to investigate further.

Learn

Visit the Resources Page to view some video tutorials and read various support materials about your chosen tool/strategy to learn how to integrate technology into your lesson. Don't see what you'd like to learn? Please contact Rob Leo, Coordinator of Instructional Technology Training for support.

Create

Create a real-world example of whichever tool/strategy you have chosen, transform a lesson plan that integrates your selection, and deploy your lesson with your students.

Tools

      1. Google Drive
      2. Google Slides
      3. Links to and/or digital copies of primary and secondary source readings, stored in Google Drive
      4. Google Classroom
      5. FlipGrid
      6. Recap

Strategies

      1. Post readings to Google Classroom’s “Stream” and require students to comment in response to a prompt that asks them to take a position.
      2. Post readings to Classroom using the “Ask a Question” tool. Require students to post a reply to a prompt as well as reply to another student’s post. Create a rubric for what an acceptable 1st and 2nd post should entail (i.e. “I agree” is not acceptable. Challenge students to add something new to the discussion). Establish a due date for the first post and a second due date, within 48 hours, for the second post.
      3. Create a Google Doc that has an essay prompt and a rubric. Using Google Classroom, create an Assignment and attach all required readings (be sure to include diverse perspectives that take a side on a specific issue). Attach a Google Doc that has an essay prompt/rubric and make a copy for each student. Establish a due date for students to turn in their work. Provide feedback to students using Google Docs' Comment tool or record your feedback using Screencastify and return their work.
      4. Task groups of students with creating a collaborative Google Slides presentation in support of a specific position on a topic and defend their position against an opposing group of students. Be sure to set clear ground rules for how much time each group has to present their claims and evidence as well as their counter-arguments.
      5. Create an Assignment in Google Classroom with a discussion/debate prompt as well as links to relevant primary and/or secondary source readings. Use FlipGrid to task students with sharing 15 or 90 second video responses to your prompt. Share the direct link to your FlipGrid topic via Classroom. Alternatively, use Recap to task students with sharing longer video responses to one of your prompts.