Technology Used
The technology used within this
lesson plan include the online textbook available through HMH, Canvas, College
Bridge, Google Translate, Classwize, and MagicSchool AI. Canvas is the learning
management system I use to post my daily agenda and all assignments. If
students choose to use the digital graphic organizers or access any other class
documents, it will be through Canvas. HMH Ed is the digital platform used to
access our textbook. Each of the selections is available online and allows for
highlighting, annotating, and text-to-speech of the selections. Each student
has access to this platform through the district. My EB students have access to
Google Translate tools to help make the text selections more easily accessible and
to provide native-language support. Classwize is the district program teachers
can use to monitor student technology use during class (Linewize, n.d.).
MagicSchool has a suite of tools that will help me adapt the text selections
and make the language easier to understand for my EB students and those with
reading difficulties. The main tools I will use within this suite are the “image
generator”, “text leveler”, and “text rewriter”. The image generator allows me
to enter a paragraph of the literary selection, and it will generate an image
using ai from Adobe Express (MagicSchool, n.d.). The text leveler allows me to
copy any text into the tool and the program will adapt it for any grade level
to personalize the reading selection to match a student’s reading level
(MagicSchool, n.d.). The text rewriter allows me to copy any text into the
program and rewrite it with specific parameters to change the words, make it
simpler to understand, use shorter sentences, give me a summary, or any combination
of these choices (MagicSchool, n.d.). The last technology used in this lesson
plan is College Bridge, an online college prep course that helps fill learning
gaps with personalized study plans (Texas College Bridge, n.d.).
Engagement & Appropriate Use
HMH Ed engages students by offering interactive features
such as highlighting, annotating, and text-to-speech (HMH, 2022). These tools
promote active reading, cater to diverse learning preferences, and make content
accessible to all students, including those with learning disabilities (HMH,
2022). I will monitor students’ use of
the platform by setting clear expectations for active engagement during reading
activities. Regularly checking student annotations and highlights within the
platform will ensure students are effectively using the tools.
Canvas provides a centralized platform for students to
access daily agendas, assignments, and digital graphic organizers. I will post structured and clear directions for
assignments, monitor submission timelines, and use Canvas analytics to track
student participation and engagement.
Google
Translate empowers English Bilingual (EB) students by providing native-language
support, making text selections comprehensible and reducing language barriers.
This fosters confidence and encourages participation in discussions. I will
guide students on when and how to use Google Translate effectively, such as for
understanding difficult passages rather than translating entire assignments.
Classwize allows me to keep
students focused by monitoring their online activities and providing immediate
redirection when needed, ensuring a distraction-free (and productive) learning
environment. I will use Classwize
actively during class time to ensure students are on task and provide feedback
in real-time if they navigate away from assigned work.
MagicSchool is a tool that I will use to make the content
more engaging for students. Therefore, I don’t need to worry about ensuring
appropriate use with students.
College Bridge will keep students engaged through personalized
academic development aligned with their current readiness levels and their future
aspirations. I will track students’ progress
through the platform’s reports and provide individualized guidance based on
their performance in the personalized modules.
Promoting Global Awareness/Diverse
Cultural Perspectives
By using diverse literary selections available through HMH Ed, students
explore multiple cultural perspectives and historical contexts. Annotating and
discussing these texts help students critically analyze global themes and
appreciate cultural diversity. Canvas facilitates collaborative assignments
where students share insights on diverse cultures through discussion posts, encouraging
the exchange of ideas and perspectives. Google Translate fosters inclusivity by
allowing EB students to engage with the same materials as their peers,
encouraging cultural exchange as students share unique perspectives stemming
from their linguistic and cultural backgrounds. While primarily a monitoring
tool, Classwize ensures equitable participation by maintaining a focused
learning environment where all students can engage with culturally rich
materials. With MagicSchool AI, the Image
Generator brings cultural and historical texts to life visually, making more
difficult cultural themes more tangible. The Text Leveler and Text Rewriter
ensure that diverse cultural perspectives in complex texts are accessible to
all students, fostering inclusivity and global understanding. Through its
personalization, College Bridge prepares students for global academic
standards, promoting awareness of global education systems and the importance
of being a lifelong learner.
By combining these technologies, my lesson plan not only engages students effectively but also aims to broaden their global perspectives, fostering an inclusive and culturally enriched learning environment.
References
HMH. (2022, January 28). HMH into literature: 6-12 English language arts program. HMH. https://www.hmhco.com/programs/into-literature
LineWize. (n.d.). ClassWize: Solutions. LineWize. https://www.linewize.com/solutions/classwize#benefits
MagicSchool. (n.d.). MagicSchool: AI built for schools. https://www.magicschool.ai/
Texas College Bridge. (n.d.). Texas college bridge. https://texascollegebridge.org/