Multiply the Learning: Multimedia and the Classroom

I am a full supporter of multimedia if it enhances the learning environment. Multimedia allows students to experience and interact with information on a variety of levels. I think it is important to engage students on as many levels as possible. It is unlikely that students will able to actually visit a rainforest during their class. Multimedia can transport the class on a virtual field trip to the rainforest. Students can see and hear the rainforest flora and fauna. With an increasingly litigatious society, teachers are confronted with a bulwark of paperwork and planning when it comes to taking students on field trips. Virtual field trips may take the place of real field trips but not all the learning should happen in the classroom or in front of a computer.

I have concerns about simulations taking the place of actual experience. I know they train fighter pilots in simulators before they put them in a real plane, but they also put them in a real plane before they send them into a real mission. Regarding dissecting frogs, there is something to be said for actually manipulating a scalpel or pair of scissors as opposed to clicking a mouse. Students should not have to interact with their education through clicking a mouse when they could be doing it hands on.

In the end, as I have said before, I am all for integrating technology, including multimedia, in the classroom, but only if it enhances the lesson. Technology is just one of the many teaching tools.

Title of Learning Object: Paper Airplane Flight Simulator

Grade: Six

Subject: Science

Topic: Flight

URL: http://www.workman.com/etcetera/games/fliersclub/

Description of Learning Object:

A flight simulator for paper airplanes? Yes! It is true. This is perhaps one of the most engaging flight simulators that I have ever encountered. Its beauty lies in its simplicity. Three factors can be adjusted 1) the angle at which the plane is thrown, 2) the thrust or velocity of the throw, and 3) the elevator, which is their term for the amount the wings are bent or angled. Simple things for simple minds, but it is simply fun.

Description of Integration:

Who has not wanted to be a pilot at one time or another? Here is your chance. I would theme this lesson in the guise of flight school so that before the flight cadets fly actual planes they must log some hours (in class time it may only be a five to ten minutes) on the simulator.

This simulator tracks the flight cadets’ best flights. This best flight information can be used for a fun competition to see who can fly the farthest and the shortest distances. I would encourage a class discussion on what they are learning about what it takes to fly far or short. This would lead into the design process for their actual paper airplanes. Congratulations for graduating from the simulator!

Planning and Preparation:

· Just to make sure the students do not stumble on anything they should not, I would scan the links from this website.

· Check computers’ software to see if it can run the necessary applications.

· Since it is themed, it would be best to find an appropriate costume or attire for a flight instructor.

· Plan how to run the “competition” so that it does not become too competitive.

· Plan sponge activities, such as visiting other websites that contain educational videos on flight.

· Plan how to transition from working on computers to discussing airplane design and to building their own airplanes.

General Learning Outcome:

6–6 Students will construct devices that move through air, and identify adaptations for controlling flight.

Specific Learning Outcome:

Students will:

3. Conduct tests of glider designs; and modify a design so that a glider will go further, stay up longer or fly in a desired way; e.g., fly in a loop, turn to the right.

4. Recognise the importance of stability and control to aircraft flight; and design, construct and test control surfaces.

Information and Communication Technology Outcome:

Students Will:

C 1: Access, use and communicate information from a variety of technologies.

2.1: Access and retrieve appropriate information from the Internet by using a specific search path or from given uniform resource locations (URLs).

F2: Students will understand the role of technology as it applies to self, work and society.

2.2 identify the role technology plays in a variety of careers.

F4: Students will become discerning consumers of mass media and electronic information.

2.1 recognize that graphics, video and sound enhance communication.