ICT Integrated Lesson Plan

Author	Anna Marie Kaiser
Title	Who's My Hero?
Grade Level	Grade Ten, Communications English 11 and 12
Subject Area	English Language Arts
Overview of unit/lessons/activities (assumptions of prior knowledge/learning)	This may be an assignment for Media Literacy or embedded in your novel or Shakespeare units. Obviously, it also fits into many other content areas of curriculum.  Science, History, Social Studies and Sociology often delve into the background of individuals who have made significant contributions to our world. This assignment also encourages students to examine their own values and how personal attitudes develop.  As individuals we sometimes have real life experiences that lead us to look up to someone.  With the enormous barrage of media to which we are exposed, on a daily basis, many people view celebrities as idols.  This begs the question of what constitutes a hero or an idol.  Are these terms interchangeable?  This should lead to very interesting discussions.
Correlations to ICT and curriculum outcomes	BOC 12.1 (relates to 9.1 – 9.4) use a wide variety of technology, demonstrate a clear understanding of technological applications, and consistently apply appropriate technology to solve curriculum problems PTS 12.4 (relates to 9.4, 9.5) evaluate, select and use a range of media, and information and communication technology, to create, edit, and publish their work independently SCO 10.3 experiment with the use of technology in communicating for a range of purposes SCO 10.4 demonstrate a commitment to crafting pieces of writing and other ways of representing
Projected timeline for preparation and for carrying out activities	Two computer lab classes of  approximately 75 minutes. Digital cameras Four days to one week for a finished product.
Equipment Requirements: (computers, software, etc)	Desktop publishing color printer if possible
Teaching materials provided (Blacklines, worksheets, templates, teacher materials)	Who’s My Hero? This assignment requires you to research a person in the present or the past who you view as a hero or a role model.  This is of course a very personal preference.  Please think widely about what characteristics your hero has and what it is that you value about their contribution to your attitudes and behaviour. To complete this assignment you will do the following: Step 1 – Provide one typed page of notes from which you have taken your information for your work.  You must show evidence of research in such resources as the Internet and specifically EBSCO.  You may cut and paste the notes from websites onto one page as long as you cite the sources you accessed. Step 2 – Create a BROCHURE displaying this individual’s biographical information and the reasons you feel they are a hero or role model.  Please include at least one picture.  You may make a one or two fold brochure on the desktop publishing software on the school computers.  You will find this in the Start menu under Microsoft Office and click on  publishing.  This allows you to select publications for print and once you choose brochure you have many options from which to choose two fold, three fold, etc.
Resources available for teacher/student use (websites, references, etc)	EBSCO in your school Library or on the Nova Scotia Department of Education website.
Detailed instructions for each activity or lesson (teacher notes, activity information, learning strategies, teacher role, student roles)	Class discussion about heroes and role models. Use of examples like Mom or Dad, a Grandparent, Tommy Douglas, Che Guevara, Barry Bonds, Stephen Lewis, Queen Elizabeth II, Ghandi, Sir John A MacDonald, Mohammad Ali, Florence Nightingale, Bill Gates, John Lennon, Tegla Laroupe, David Suzuki, Muriel Duckworth, etc.  (Establish your list)  Engage students in the list of who their heroes are.  Lead them into a discussion of the characteristics of heroes.  This may develop into some exploration of leadership, moral and ethical assessments and engaging prior knowledge of historical and world events.  The teacher will allot the appropriate amount of time for this preparatory talk  based on availability of class time and allowing for "teachable moments". Prompt students about the value of visuals to get the point across.  Remind them of the importance of organizing material for ease of understanding. Step 1 - Explain that they will be researching their hero and creating a BROCHURE detailing the accomplishments and characteristics of their hero or role model.
Student products expected	Step 2 - Students will research this person on EBSCO and other sources.  A page of notes from which the student has taken their information will be passed in with the brochure.  Please cut and paste the information onto one page.  You must include a list of information sources or bibliography. Step 3 - Create a brochure for this hero.  This must be a one or two fold brochure and will include at least one picture.  This format is on your computer's desktop publishing software.  The brochure will include biographical information on the individual's accomplishments as well as the reasons the student feels this person is a hero or role model.  Step 4 - The final product will be titled appropriately, edited, typed and folded to create a finished product that is appealing.  Strive for the visual appeal of a  professional brochure.
Samples (include teacher notes, assessment information, student work if available)	Example of Brochure
Logistics (organization, grouping, management issues, access to technology)	Book the computer lab for two classes.  It might be helpful to explain or have the Librarian explain how EBSCO works. This can be done as an individual assignment or as a partnered activity.
Assessment information (e.g., rubrics for products and/or process)	Rubric
Possible extensions	Power Point presenting the information to the class.