Middle level ICT integration

Middle level of ICT Integration: Designing learning activity using PhET simulation

In continuation of session 4, we have learned about middle level of technology integration from the book Technology integration in education by Michael D. Williams. Under continuum of technology, we have seen the components required for integrating the middle level of ICT integration is that we must design the learning activities, follow up and with clear instructions with ICT integrated lesson, further there must be assessment for the learners to check the progress of their learning and finally with closure too.

There are three levels of ICT integration that are; basic, middle and high level. Middle level of technology integration is important for learners and as well purposeful use of technology to address the learning goals in the classroom teaching and learning. It is the level whereby both the teacher and students use the blend of basic levels and middle level of ICT integration to motivate the learning. As you being a future teacher, you must know how to plan a lesson and initiate the activity through the use of middle level of ICT integration in classroom learning. In the middle level of ICT integration, teachers intentionally incorporate technology into their lessons to complement traditional teaching methods. This means that technology is used as a tool to support and enhance the learning experience, rather than completely replacing the teacher's role. It's like adding an extra layer of support and engagement for students.

For example, let's take Mr. Rama's trigonometry class. He uses computer-based exercises to give his students more opportunities to practice what they've learned in class. This allows them to reinforce their understanding and gain additional practice in a digital format. However, Mr. Rama still maintains a teacher-centered approach, where he guides and facilitates the learning process. Technology is simply used as a supplement to enrich the learning experience.

The goal of this middle level of integration is to strike a balance between utilizing technology and maintaining the valuable aspects of traditional teaching methods. By incorporating technology purposefully, teachers can provide students with a more interactive and engaging learning environment, while still benefiting from the expertise and guidance of the teacher. It's all about finding the right mix that works best for each classroom and subject.

What is PhEt stimulation?

Ans; PhET simulations are interactive educational tools developed by the University of Colorado Boulder. They allow users to explore various scientific concepts through virtual experiments or simulations.  

Some key features of PhET simulations are:

* Interactive: Students can directly manipulate the simulations, changing variables and observing the effects. This makes learning more engaging and hands-on.

* Cover a wide range of topics: There are simulations for physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, and even mathematics.

* Multiple uses: PhET simulations can be used for demonstrations, labs, homework assignments, or self-paced exploration. 

* Free and accessible: Anyone can use PhET simulations without creating an account. There are also downloadable versions available.

Why use PhEt simulation instead of practical or traditional way?

Ans; PhET simulations make learning more engaging, understandable, and accessible compared to traditional methods by offering interactive visuals, safe experimentation, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility in exploring various scenarios.

Advantages:

• Interactive Learning: PhET simulations are like virtual labs where students can manipulate variables and see the effects in real-time. This hands-on approach fosters deeper understanding compared to passive learning from textbooks or lectures.
• Visualization: PhET simulations make abstract scientific concepts visible. They can represent atoms, molecules, or even complex natural phenomena in a user-friendly way, aiding in comprehension.
• Engagement: The interactive nature and game-like environment make PhET simulations more engaging than traditional methods. This can spark curiosity and make learning science more enjoyable.
• Safety: Certain experiments might be too dangerous or expensive to perform in a real lab. PhET simulations provide a safe and accessible alternative for students to explore these concepts.

Real-Life Applications;

1. Circuit Construction Kit: Simulate building circuits to understand how electricity flows, relevant to everyday gadgets and appliances.
2. Gas Laws: Visualize the behavior of gasses under varying pressure and temperature, applicable in fields like meteorology or engineering.
3. Molecule Shapes: Explore how atoms bond to form molecules with different shapes, crucial in understanding material properties and chemical reactions.

Lesson plan

 Subject: Mathematics                                                                          Class: II

 Chapter:  Adding and subtracting strategies                                       Topic: Counting on and counting back.

Activity: Adding and subtracting numbers using number lines.

Objectives: the student will be able to;

⚫ add and subtract the numbers on the number line correctly using PhET interactive simulations,

⚫ tell the correct operations correctly.

⚫ know that the end point in the number line is the total or solution of the calculation.

⚫ differentiate the numbers including both negative and positive numbers correctly.

Resource required: laptop, computer, phone with internet connection with access to PhET simulation.

General instruction:(5 minutes)

Today we are going to learn about the topic calculating using number lines. Before working with your own simulations lesson, I want y I'mou all to watch this video: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNpJWC52yrk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp9n4kMTuQo

And then later you have to do your own simulations using negative numbers and positive numbers.

You will work in pair.

Information input:

I will explain the concept of addition and subtraction using number line  after watching the video together as a class. 

Allocate them pair of their preferences and ask them to calculate using both the negative and positive numbers on the number line.

Activity:

Find the sum;                                              Find the difference;

3+8                                                               9_5

9+0                                                               4_3

5+5                                                               3-1

Instructions:

1. Read the chapter and understand the content.

2. Use Google search engine and type in "PhET Simulations" in the search text box or use the https://phet.colorado.edu. com simulation number line.

3. Click on "All sims-PhET simulations

4. Select number line operation.

5. Click on downloaded file on the left bottom corner.

6. Click on the "resume" button to resume the application (need to wait for few second to load the application).

7.Click and drag the required numbers inside the bag.

8.  Record the solution in the Worksheet 1.0 given in the following space.

9. Repeat the step 7 and 8 to complete all the activity questions.

Follow up activity:

After they are done with their activity question, ask one of the pair to present their work to the class.

Check their simulation on the respective computer and let others check the solution in the form of gallery work.

                            Worksheet 1.0

Lesson closure:

Summarize the lesson by asking few questions on following.

a. What is the difference of 5 and 2?

b. What is the sum of 5 and 2?

Assessment 

See that the students can model counting on and counting back, including skip-counting to add and subtract the numbers using the number line.