Title: Use what you know...
Course: iPads for Middle School Teachers > Section: Module 4

You are the expert in your classroom. These are some supports to help you plan a lesson that will incorporate the iPad.

Pull it all together

I began this course with the following statement,

"The International Society of Technology in Education encourages teachers to 'design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.'"

The best way to begin to incorporate an iPad (or iPad lab) is to make a plan to use it. You can use the lesson plan template you are most familiar with, the TSMS lesson plan rubric or if you want to stretch a little take a look at Wiggins and McTigue's, Understanding by Design.

Understanding by Design and the Backward Design model

Some information about Understanding by Design

Dr. Beverly Epps of the University of Mary Washington College of Graduate and Professional Studies discusses the "understanding by design" model.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBt_GjOYXYM&feature=related

Uploaded to YouTube by jstclairatumw on Sep 29, 2008

Here is a basic introduction to Understanding by Design

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdnkmQuwqis&NR=1

Understanding and Essential Questions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUMJy59hDe4&NR=1

Uploaded to YouTube by bachenheimeb.

Another way of looking at lesson planning with the Backward Design model: http://digitalliteracy.mwg.org/curriculum/lesson.html

Make a plan

It doesn't matter which template you use but plan something that you will look forward to incorporating into your plans.

- It doesn't have to be a long term plan
- Make it manageable
- Don't hesitate to look on the web for inspiration

Try to use the iPad to write your plan using Notes or another app you found in your exploration of free apps.

- Copy and paste the template using the directions at the top of the forms.
- Using the Notes app and the onscreen keyboard may be challenging but give it a try... it does get easier.

When you have designed something you think you can use, copy and paste it into the forum titled "Share your plan".

Reflect on the lesson plans posted by your colleagues. Think about ways you could modify their plans to use in your own teaching situation.