As a social studies major in secondary education, it is inevitable that I will cover the topic of mythology in my courses. Moreover, I am aware that mythology can be a very daunting thing for students who do not have a very analytical or creatively based mind. For those who are more scientifically based, the imaginative aspect of mythology may be a hard thing to wrap ones’ head around. Therefore, using other resources in order to engage with the students would be an incredibly positive thing within the classroom. Technology within the classroom is always a useful tool for this. To see interactive and expressive videos, students who have a hard time latching onto the themes of mythology will have an easier time than without. In the grade 8 social studies curriculum of Alberta, there is a section on world views being attached to placement within society. Not only does mythology encompass ideologies and fables to live by, it also has set up the basis of moral right and wrong in the creation of not only Greece and roman society, but also societies after that. Mythology can be a creative way to analyze and interpret world views in a more abstract way. Specific outcomes from the Grade 8 social studies curriculum that are tied to the teaching of mythology include:
8.2.2 – demonstrate a willingness to consider differing beliefs, values and worldviews
And
8.2.3 – recognize how beliefs and values are shaped by time, geographic location and societal context (Alberta Program of Studies, 2003)
In the culminating activity of this lesson plan, the students are asked to “create scrapbooks to demonstrate new knowledge of mythology” (step 13 lesson). Since most summative and formative assessments are now done within class time, students would easily be able to use their cellphones for internet research, as well as laptops for research into other things surrounding the myths and ideologies of that time. The more resources outside of a textbook and lecture that the students can use, the more the knowledge will become concrete, and more interactively learned.
Before incorporating mlearning into this lesson in the classroom, I would have to consider three things. Firstly, is my classroom management strong enough for the students to use the technology alone, or with partners within the classroom? If not, I would have to initiate strict regulations for the use and administration surrounding the use of technology with the classroom. The point is for the students to become engaged, not distracted. Next, the students will be given pre-selected and helpful resources as a starting off point for resources and interactive learning. From there, they will be able to continue their learning. Finally, the students will have to be taught proper citation skills, and responsible internet usage if they are to use resources within their own projects. This may take more than a few lessons for proper usage, but it would be worth it in the long haul for students to understand responsible internet use.
Alberta Program of Study, http://www.learnalberta.ca/ProgramOfStudy.aspx?lang=en&ProgramId=564423#77248, Learn Alberta. 2003. (Accessed on November 26, 2012).
Lesson plan- http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/sample-lesson-plan-new-teachers
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