Incorporating Technology in Unit Plan

The purpose of incorporating technology into lessons...

 Incorporating technology into the lesson plan boosts student engagement and promotes global awareness through diverse perspectives (School of Education, 2020). In "Journey Through Narratives: Exploring 'My Diary from Here to There,'" each day's lesson uses technology to strengthen student understanding and help them grasp global cultures more deeply.

Global awareness and cultural perspective in education means...

Global awareness and cultural perspective in education mean understanding and appreciating different cultures, viewpoints, and global issues (Everyday Speech, n.d.). This involves recognizing how culture influences beliefs, values, and communication, and using this knowledge to build inclusive and welcoming classrooms. By creating empathy, global connections, and responsible citizenship, educators enrich learning, promote respect, challenge stereotypes, and help students prepare to thrive in a multicultural, interconnected world.

Day 1: Understanding Text Structure

Technology Used: Digital Story Mapping

Students will use an online tool known as Storyboard That  to create a digital timeline, organizing key events, characters, and concepts from "My Diary from Here to There." They will add multimedia elements to enrich their understanding.

Student Engagement and Appropriate Use: The visual and interactive nature of this technology engages students by allowing them to creatively explore the narrative’s structure. I will ensure appropriate use by giving them clear instructions, examples of effective timelines, and ongoing support as they develop their projects.

Global Awareness and Cultural Perspective: Students will integrate cultural images and relevant information, providing insight into migration, family, and opportunity as represented in the book. This promotes a connection between fiction and real-world socio-cultural issues, creating empathy and understanding.

Day 2: Character, Setting, and Event Exploration

Technology Used: Virtual Field Trips

Usage in Lesson Plan: Students will complete a virtual field trip using tools like Google Earth, allowing them to visit cultural sites in Mexico and relevant historical landmarks, such as the U.S.-Mexico border. This will help them visualize the book’s setting.

Student Engagement and Appropriate Use: The immersive virtual exploration captures students' attention and connects them to the setting in a way that's vivid and tangible. To ensure appropriate use, I will provide guiding questions and a worksheet that keeps them focused on understanding the cultural significance of each site.

Global Awareness and Cultural Perspective: Students will explore various aspects of Mexican culture and the historical significance of migration, connecting the protagonist's journey to the broader narrative of cultural identity and global migration issues.

Day 3: Comparing and Contrasting Points of View

Technology Used: Collaborative Discussion Platforms

Usage in Lesson Plan: Students will use Padlet to participate in an online discussion comparing the first-person perspective of "My Diary from Here to There" with other global narratives, considering how different perspectives shape storytelling.

Student Engagement and Appropriate Use: The interactive platform encourages students to share ideas and build on one another's interpretations in real-time. I will monitor discussions, ensuring that students contribute respectfully and thoughtfully while staying on topic.

Global Awareness and Cultural Perspective: Students will discuss and compare various perspectives on migration and cultural identity, gaining a deeper understanding of how narratives from around the world shape and are shaped by global themes.

References

Esoft,. (n.d.). Global perspective in education for teachers. ESSkills. https://esoftskills.com/global-perspectives-in-education-for-teachers/

Everyday Speech,. (n.d.). The importance of global awareness in elementary education: Tips for educators. Everyday Speech. https://everydayspeech.com/sel-implementation/the-importance-of-global-awareness-in-elementary-education-tips-for-educators/#:~:text=Global%20awareness%20refers%20to%20having,their%20social%20and%20emotional%20development.

School of Education,. (2020, June 25). How important is technology in education? Benefits, challenges, and impact on students. School of Education. https://soeonline.american.edu/blog/technology-in-education/