Lesson Plan Formats
Technology integration requires a plan. Without any structure or framework, a lot of valuable learning time will be lost. This will be true regardless of the setting. Whether you are an educational/instructional technologist providing computer/software training in an organization or corporate environment, or an ETS in a public or private school setting, you need a plan.
Why?
Yes, it's true that well planned learning experiences represent sound pedagogy.
However, with a room full of people in front of computers, you now have an empowered population with a big distraction at its fingertips.
As soon as the machine is powered-up and the monitor flicks on, you, as teacher/instructor, are no longer the main attraction or learning leader . You have some big competition! (perhaps more competition than is the usual case!) This is just as true for Kindergarten learners as it is for adult learners. (Consequently, You might want to consider presenting learners with their "mission" before they actually sit down in front of a computer.)
Combine this "attention distraction" with the greatly varied levels of computer experience, technology comfort levels, and learning styles of your students, and the scope of your challenge emerges. I think this may be one reason that discourages more teachers from taking advantage of the technology that is available to their students.
If your goals go beyond merely plugging your students into a computer, you need to provide some kind of learning structure or map. It can be as simple as a compelling question, or as complicated as an artfully articulated learning scaffold.
My feeling is your "lesson plans" are for YOU. You create them the way that best serves YOUR NEEDS , and helps you layout and organize the learning experience for your learners. So, the format you select is up to you. However, in any plans that you create for technology integration, please indicate how you implement the "recipe" you develop for technology integration. For example: include the applicable NETS with the other objectives/standards, include the applicable technology tools with the materials and resources, and describe the process for technology integration along with your procedure, as well as how technology may be involved in creating any learning artifacts/products. Don't forget MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES!
| Possible
Plan Format |
Possible Tech Integration Recipe |
|
Lesson/Unit Title Target Audience/Grade Level Overview/Description Goals/Purpose Objectives/Standards Materials/Resources Procedure Evaluation/Assessment Learning Accommodations
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Take any standard curricular materialsIntegrate instructional software into lessonIntegrate Internet resources into lessonUtilize technology in instructionEmbed technology into assignmentRequest Student use of technology in working with content
The "Plowman Recipe" |
Other Lesson Planning Resources and Templates:
If you are teachers and/or graduate students in an education major, you are undoubtedly well aware of lesson plans. If not, or if you are approaching instructional technology from an organization or corporate training perspective, the links below may be helpful.