Module 6: Digital Tools and Unit Design

Lesson plan, Assignment Handout, Rubric, & Resources…By: Lisa

*Note: Resource used for this Unit: EDuGains website www.Edugains.com

Time: 25 hours

Unit DescriptionThis unit addresses some of the social, environmental, and economic considerations that are relevant to the

Communications Tech Sector.

Unit 6: Environmental, Economic & Social

Considerations relevant to Communications

Technology

Activity #

Activity Title/Name

Learning

Expectations

- Overall

- Specific

Assessment

CategoriesTasks

1.1 Introduction to some

of the various

influences that affect

the evolution of the

communications

industry

(e.g.,environmental,

social & economic

issues connected to

communcations will

be discussed).

C1

C1.1

C1.2

Knowledge and

Understanding

For this lesson, the teacher will show 3 different videos

that relate to the topisc of environmental, social &

economic impacts of Communications Tech. As part of

this, students will begin to think of different ways that

communications tech has had influence on different

aspects of society. At the end of the lesson, they will be

put into small groups and asked to debate various key

topics (e.g.,how they believe Comm tech impacts the

environment, how it has contributed to globalization,

etc.).

1.3 Environmental

Impacts

Of Communications

Technology- Part 1

C1

C1.1

C1.2

Thinking/ Inquiry

Application

-The teacher shows the class some sample images of

how communications technology can have impact on

the environment.

-Students look at the images and together as a class

brainstorm ideas on chart paper that the images provoke

-In pairs or small groups, students summarize some of

the key ideas that were previously generated by the

class. They are then asked to work in pairs and put

together a mind map representing the various issues

connected to the impact of communications technology

on the environment.

-Students are asked to share their mind map with other

groups

1.4 Environmental

Impacts of

Communications

Technology-Part 2

Summative Task

C1

C1.1

C1.2

Application-Students are asked to research an issue connected to

the environmental impact of communications

technology.

-Students are later given an assignment task where

they are told to use a method of choice to present their

info (e.g., podcast, video, digital tutorial, graphic

design poster, short animation, etc.)

LESSON/LEARNING PLAN FACULTY OF EDUCATION, QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY

Queen’s Lesson Plan Template

Teachers Name: Lisa MacLeod

Course: Communications Technology (TGJ 4M)

Lesson Title: Environmental Impacts of Communication Technology

Unit Title & Number: Environmental Issues in Communications Tech, Unit #2

Specific Curriculum Expectations (List Ministry Specific Curriculum Expectations which will be

covered in the lesson)

C1. Describe the impact of communications media technologies and activities on the environment and

identify ways of reducing their harmful effects

C1.1 describe the effects of current communications technologies on the environment (e.g., effects related

to paper consumption, energy use, light and sound pollution, disposal of obsolete equipment, etc.).

C1.2 identify sustainable practices that are currently used or can be used to minimize the impact of

communications technologies on the environment (e.g., recycling of paper, recycling or reuse of

electronic components, use of energy efficient equipment, use of sleep mode when computers are

temporarily unused).

Prior Learning-

Prior to this lesson, students will have:

Unit Title & Number: Introduction to Interactive Media, Communications Safety &

Environmental Considerations –Unit #1

Unit # 6

Prior to this lesson, students will have:

-Used the software needed for the lesson task (e.g., word processing, desktop publishing, Adobe

InDesign, slide presentation software, mind mapping software, podcasting software, google sites, etc.).

-Understanding of, and prior experience with a variety of different tasks connected to communications

technology (e.g., preparing newsletters, creating digital mind maps, digital video creation, graphic design

skills, photography skills, podcasting, etc.)

Key Learning Goals: Students will explain how information and communications technology impacts

the environment.

Enduring Understandings and Essential Skills (List any enduring understanding and essential skills

which will be part of the students learning)

N/A

Materials:

-Computers

-Chart paper and pens for sketching out ideas

-Lesson Assignment

-Lesson Rubric

The key information they find.

Teaching Aids Lesson Task Handout

Lesson Task Rubric

Peer Assessment check list

Sample Images

Teaching Strategies:

Whole class:

-The lesson begins with the teacher showing the class some sample images of how communications

technology can have impact on the environment.

-Students look at the images and together as a class brainstorm ideas on chart paper that the images

provoke (e.g., communications technology contributes to: excessive paper consumption, energy use, light

and sound pollution, increased landfill waste, wasteful obsolete computer equipment, etc.).

Pairs:

-In pairs or small groups, students summarize some of the key ideas that were previously generated by the

class. They are then asked to work in pairs and put together a mind map representing the issues connected

to the impact of communications technology on the environment. *Note: at this time, the teacher reminds

-Students are asked to share their mind map with other groups. *At this time, groups will help provide

feedback on the clarity of ideas, and logical flow of their peers mind maps (*formative assessment).

Individual:

-Students select an issue related to the impact of information and communications technology on the

environment.

-Students are given the lesson task ‘hand out’ and rubric.

-Students are asked to research their issue using the internet. They are told to summarize and paraphrase

any relevant information they find.

-Students review the assignment task where they are told to use a method of choice to present their

information pertaining to a communications technology environmental issue (e.g., they can choose to put

together a podcast, video, graphic design, slide show, or web page that explains how communications

technology impacts the environment).

-After the assignment task is completed, the student can select a partner and review (e.g., peer assess each

other’s finished products using the peer assessment checklist). *Note: At this time, students can also make

any additional edits to their product based on the feedback they receive (e.g., hopefully, they will

understand their own progress as well (self-assessment)

Modifications and Accommodations -For this lesson the student with an IEP (e.g., deaf and hard-of-hearing) will be given preferential seating

in the classroom. They will also be provided with an anti-static screen & matt for working on their

computer. Additionally, the teacher will be wearing the FM/soundfield system during the class

discussion. Eye contact will be made prior to giving instructions, and images will be used at the start of

the lesson to help clearly depict the environmental issues associated with Communications Technology.

-Finally, the student will be given extra time if needed for completion of the individual assignment task.

Assessment and Evaluation:

Assessment for Learning-

At the start of the lesson, students identify and share information with the teacher on what they know

about how communications technology is impacting the environment.

Assessment as Learning-

Formative Assessment-

As the lesson continues, students begin to analyze and interpret research information. They express their

information with others while working in groups. Note: Peer assessment is an assessment strategy used

for the preliminary mind mapping activity (e.g., this will hopefully give the students an appreciation of

the work of their peers, and where their own work stands in relation).

Assessment of Learning-

Summative Assessment-

At the end of the lesson, students are asked to demonstrate their ability to use software when they are

asked to complete the lesson assignment task.

Terminology List N/A

Literacy and Numeracy -Literacy skills are used when the students are asked to make mind maps.

-Literacy skills are used when the student does online research.

Closing Questions: How can the global issue of the environmental impact of communications tech be

directly connected to issues at the school?

Lesson Reflections (What when wrong/What went right, What can be changed)

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Summative Activity: Materials / Resources:

Computers

Chart paper and pens for sketching out ideas

Lesson Hand Out

Lesson Rubric

Environmental Impact Sample Images

Peer Assessment Check List

Summative Lesson Task:

Assignment: Please select an issue that connects to the environmental impact of communications

technology on the environment. Do some research on your issue using the internet or library resources. Summarize & paraphrase any relevant information that you find. *Be sure to record this

information for submission. Plan how you will record and generate your ideas (e.g., follow the design process, list your

sources, what software do you plan to use to complete the task, etc.). Brainstorm some images/ideas/words you’d like to use in your presentation. *Be sure to

record /sketch out your ideas for how your presentation will look. Note: Marks will be given for creativity.

Review the hand out listing the different assignment options for how you might choose to present your key information (e.g., you may want to put together a short podcast, video, animation, graphic design poster, or web page).

After you have completed your design, take time to access your peers work (e.g., peer assess each others finished products using the peer assessment checklist).

Make any additional revisions or edits to your assignment based on the feedback you receive.

1. State the problem

2. Generate ideas

3. Select a solution

4. Build the item

1. Present your results

5. Evaluate

Different Options for how to complete your environmental issues assignment:

Web Page – using Wordpress or Google sites, develop a webpage to explain how

Communications Technology impacts the environment.

-Be sure to use text, images, audio, video links where appropriate.

-Include a clear message of how Communications Tech has environmental impacts.

- Share with your finished product with peers. Submit your webpage for evaluation.

Podcast --Using software of your choice generate a one-to-two minute podcast that

briefly explains how Communications Technology impacts the environment.

-Plan out your podcast

-Include a clear message.

-Share with your peers. Submit your podcast for evaluation.

Graphic Design—Using Photoshop or Adobe InDesign generate a 11 X17 poster that

depicts how communications technology impacts the environment.

-Use typography, photography & layout skills where appropriate. Tyr to get people to

understand a clear message about how technology impacts the environment.

-Include a clear message.

-Share with your peers. Submit your poster for evaluation.

Short Animation or Digital Video—Create a short (e.g., 1-2 minute) film or animation

on how Communications Technology Impacts the environment. It can be serious or

humorous. *Keep your message clear & plan your film/animation using a storytelling

template.

-Include a clear a message.

-Share with your peers. Submit your poster for evaluation.

Assignment Rubric:

Criteria Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4

Knowledge & Understanding

Demonstrates limited knowledge of the impact of communications tech on the environment.

Demonstrates some knowledge of the impact of communications tech on the environment.

Demonstrates considerable knowledge of the impact of communications tech on the environment.

Demonstrates thorough knowledge of the impact of communications tech on the environment.

Thinking/Inquiry Analyzes and interprets research/followed the design process to help formulate a plan for the product with limited effectiveness.

Analyzes and interprets research/ followed the design process to help formulate a plan for the product with someeffectiveness.

Analyzes and interprets research / followed the design process to help formulate a plan for the product with considerableeffectiveness.

Analyzes and interprets research /followed the design process to help formulate a plan for the product with ahigh degree of effectiveness.

Communication Used creativity to express and organize ideas and information relating to environmental impact of communications Tech with limited effectiveness & clarity.

Used creativity to express and organize ideas and information relating to environmental impact of communications Tech with some effectiveness &clarity.

Used creativity to express and organize ideas and information relating to environmental impact of communications Tech with considerableeffectiveness & clarity.

Used creativity to express and organize ideas and information relating to environmental impact of communications Tech with a high degree of effectiveness & clarity.

Application Demonstrates technological skills with limited effectiveness.

Demonstrates technological skills withsome effectiveness.

Demonstrates technological skills with considerableeffectiveness.

Demonstrates technological skills with a high degree of effectiveness.

Peer Assessment Checklist:

Name of developer:_________________ Name of Peer Assessinng work_________________

The product clearly demonstrates (e.g., with a clear message) an understanding ofhow Communications Technology impacts the environment.

Research skills were used to help generate ideas and plan the product design The design process was followed throughout to make the product Technological skills were clearly demonstrated The product displayed some creativity

Comments/ Feedback:_____________________________________________________________________

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A few Sample Images & Resources of How Communications Technology has Impact on the Environment:

http://www.techhive.com/article/2035435/recycle-your-old-tech-gear.html

http://www.treehugger.com/clean-technology/the-environmental-costs-and-benefits-of-our-cell-phones.html