Our 1-to-1 Digital Device program and Digital Literacy course launched in September, 2018. Students who join Gleneagle bring with them their own portable computer. These devices allow teachers and students to enhance lessons and student work by increasing access to research and resources, collaboration, and tools for content creation. Take a look at a few select examples below of assignments that students have completed with the aid of their digital devices.
For this assignment, students were put into groups and asked to create a stop motion animation to demonstrate their understanding of cellular division. Groups communicated and planned their projects online through OneNote before shooting their films on their cell phones or laptops. Students then had to edit their footage using an app or program of their choice. Groups that completed the assignment demonstrated incredible creativity and collaboration and create some truly impressive clips. Students learned about the benefits and difficulties that arise from digital collaboration and communication (as opposed to face-to-face interactions), and got to explore technology and programs that many had not before encountered. The Core Competencies engaged were Creative Thinking, Communication, and Critical Thinking.
While reading Sherman Alexie's Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, this English class reflected on and explored the motivations, aspirations, obstacles, and fears of one of the main characters in the novel. Students then demonstrated this reflection by creating a digital poster that visually represented the various facets of their chosen character. While students learned about symbolism and characterization, they also received a lesson on image copyright and how to ethically use images they find online. The Core Competencies engaged were Creative Thinking and Positive Personal and Cultural Identity.
Students were tasked with researching an environmental issue, tracking their personal relation to it, and using this research and anecdotal data to suggest a solution to the issue. Students then presented their research and solution in the form of an infographic, complete with images and a complete Works Cited crediting all research cited. Students were also taught how to critically evaluate online sources for currency, bias, authority, reliability, and purpose.
By completing this assignment, students were able to learn about the world they live in, and take charge by suggesting methods for lessening our impact on our environment. The Core Competencies engaged were Social Responsibility, Creative Thinking, and Positive Personal and Cultural Identity.
