This assignment was very challenging for me for several reasons. First, my experience is limited to the corporate training environment and I chose to complete a lesson plan directed to much younger learners. Secondly, I feel much more comfortable with designing support material than I do designing an entire lesson. In the end, I feel that I created an interesting lesson that utilizes various technologies and will engage students.

I chose to use three technologies within my lesson:

  1. A Youtube.com Streaming Media Element – Schoolhouse Rock “The Bill of Rights”: I chose this video as an introduction to the topic. I feel that this video would be much better received by the students than an introduction provided by lecture. This video element incorporates technology through streaming directly from the Internet and viewed by the class through a projection screen/SmartBoard display.

  2. Android Tablet PCs with Free Mobile App: Providing students with tablet PCs delivers an interactive element to the lesson. I chose Android tablets because they may be purchased at a cheaper price than Apple iPads, reducing the cost burden on the school district. The mobile application I chose to use was the “We the People” app built by Robert Bushman. At the time of this posting, this application was free of charge, had over 100,000 downloads, and an average rating of 4.6 stars (out of 5) on Google Play.

  3. Interactive Flash Game: Incorporating a SmartBoard activity is a great way to encourage participation and interaction. I created a custom Flash-based SmartBoard activity that allows the students to practice recalling the knowledge that they have learned.

This assignment effectively meets the AECT 1.1, 3.1, and 3.3 Standards.

AECT 1.1 Instructional Systems Design (ISD)
AECT 1.1.2.b Create instructional plans (micro-level design) that address the needs of all learners, including appropriate accommodations for learners with special needs.

AECT 1.1.2.d Incorporate contemporary instructional technology processes in the development of interactive lessons that promote student learning.

AECT 1.1.3.b Demonstrate personal skill development with at least one: computer authoring application, video tool, or electronic communication application.

3.1 Media Utilization
3.1.1 Identify key factors in selecting and using technologies appropriate for learning situations specified in the instructional design process.

3.3 Implementation and Institutionalization
3.3.1 Use appropriate instructional materials and strategies in various learning contexts.

By completing this project, I have met the listed AECT standards by developing a lesson plan that incorporates various technologies to achieve a desired learning outcome.

Click here to view the Interactive Flash Game