Author: nmmason

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Mindmap of 5 lesson plans to create a new auditorium

The link below provides one of a series of 5 lesson plans. Aligned with Australian Curriculum Design Technologies, it is planned for year 6 students to develop knowledge and understanding, and processes and production skills in this learning area. The end outcomes for this unit of work is for students to plan, design and create a new  auditorium which will improve the school’s sustainability. Many opportunities for cross-curricular learning exist throughout the unit.

Link to Mind map: https://www.mindmeister.com/448105143

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Creating a Multimedia Journey

Subject: Digital Technologies

Year Level: Year 3-4

Strand: Digital Technologies Knowledge and Understanding (4.2) ; Digital Technologies Processes and Production Skills (4.3, 4.4)

Sub strand:

4.2 Recognise different types of data and explore how the same data can be represented in different ways (recognising that text, images, sounds are all forms of data when stored or viewed using a digital system)

4.3 Collect, access and present different types of data using simple software to create information and solve problems

4.4 Define simple problems, and describe and follow a sequence of steps and decisions (algorithms) needed to solve them

Link to the resource:
http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/techlp/techlp062.shtml

Cross-curriculum priorities and general capabilities:
Literacy, ICT, personal and social capability

Links to other learning areas:
English, Mathematics, Geography

A classroom activity using this resource:
This is a perfect activity linking digital technology, geography and English. It allows students to develop their abilities and create a multimedia project using a range of media sources. ICT skills include downloading audio and saving it to folders, copying and pasting images and creating documents.

The activity is based on the free Web site Sound Transit. Students select Australia as their origin and then choose their destination (any country in the world). The site will offer several possible trip variations with five stops for students to choose from. The web site creates an audio version of each students trip, and children can access a map of their trip. There are many possibilities of how this activity can be implemented within the curriculum (eg. literacy activities or developing cultural understanding). This activity is great for students to learn basic computer skills and show how data can be represented in different ways, whilst encouraging creative thinking and individuality.

How to use this resource:
Explain to students that they are going on a journey to any country of their choice (unless the teacher decides on a particular country/countries to link with other learning areas).   Direct students to the Sound Transit website and follow the instructions. Once they have chosen their trip variation and clicked next, an audio version will be downloaded as an mp3 file. Ask students to download and save their audio files to a folder on their desktops (some students may need assistance).

Allow students to listen to their files, and view the map of their trip.

Students will open a new window on their browsers and go to images. Each student will search, copy and paste the best images of the places visited. Students will then listen to their sound files again, while looking at the selected images and making notes about what they hear.

If linking with Literacy, ask students to use their images and notes to write a narrative of their journey.

 

 

 

 

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Design an App!

Subject: Digital Technologies

Year Level: 5-6

Strand: Digital Technologies processes and production skills

Sub-strand: Designing digital systems

6.5 Design a user interface for a digital system, generating and considering alternating designs

6.6 Design, modify and follow simple algorithms represented diagrammatically and in English involving

sequences of steps, branching, and iteration (repetition)

6.9 Manage the creation and communication of ideas and information including online collaborative

projects, applying agreed ethical, social and technical protocols (Collaborating and managing)

Link to the resource: http://www.australiancurriculumlessons.com.au/2014/07/27/design-app-digital-technologies-lesson-plan-456/

General capabilities: Literacy, Information and communication technology capability, Critical and creating thinking, Personal and social capability

Links to other learning areas:  English (ACELY1700), (ACELY1704)

A classroom activity using this resource
As students are increasingly immersed in new technology such as iPads and iPods, this is a great activity for students to be able to apply their knowledge and creativity to design their own app. Teachers can modify the activity so students can either have freedom of topic or it can be specific to a learning area (eg. maths or science).  The activity should include opportunity for discussion and collaboration. It is a brilliant activity to link Technologies and English.

How to use this resource  (individually or in pairs)

Discuss with students apps that they use or know, how they work and what is their purpose. Let them explore apps that are on the class computers or I-pads. Students are to think creatively about an app they would like to make. They will need to consider: title, App icon, brief description of what the app will be about, cost and designers name.

Planning – continue to build on their app design by considering what will be in the app, what does the app allow the user to do, and how will the levels/features be illustrated. Provide scaffolding when necessary.

Meeting the boss at Apple (linking with English) – Students are to prepare a convincing speech to pitch their app to the Apple boss. Things to consider are:

Why should apple and consumers buy your app?

Who would use the app?

What benefit does the app have for people/society?                                                                                             Create an App - App Icon Examples

How much does the app cost and why?

Presentation – students to present their app to the class.

 

Design an app! A digital technologies project. (2014). Retrieved from

http://www.australiancurriculumlessons.com.au/2014/07/27/design-app-digital-technologies-lesson-plan-456/