Heart to Heart

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Theme: Respecting others opinions

Materials: How to position students in two circles

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Vocabulary: Digital Literacy 

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SAY; Digital Literacy is using digital media tools like social media and the internet to learn, create, communicate, and work.

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Explore: 

ASK: Do you remember moments in the movie where technology was used in a cool way? How about moments when technology was used in a not-so-helpful way? What were you left wondering when it comes to technology and learning?

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DO: 

1. Split the class into equal-sized groups.
2. Arrange them in two circles, one inner and one outer, so the students face each other one to one.
3. Ask them to discuss the following discussion prompts with their partners. Allot a few minutes to each prompt, then have the inner circle move one position to the right for a new partner for the next prompt.

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ASK: 

How would you feel if technology were removed from your school? When do you focus best? 

How does technology change learning? What technology tools for learning do you use the most? A calculator, computer, tablet, app, etc?

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‍Key Learning: Students engage in honest conversations with classmates who might have different opinions from their own and discover that learning is different for everyone.

Four Corners/Two Sides

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Theme: Tech is all around us

Materials: A talking stick or equivalent object to help children take turns speaking, and a list of statements.

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Vocabulary: Empathy

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SAY: Empathy is the ability to understand and share in the feelings of others.

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Explore: Ask students to look around the classroom, again. 

ASK: How many screens and pieces of technology do you see? What technology do we use at school? How do computers, projectors, and screens change how you learn?

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DO: Four Corners/Two sides

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SAY: I will make a statement, and you will go to one side or the other of the room, depending on your opinion. If you agree with the statement, go to this side. If you disagree, go to the other. Once on each side of the room, you will have a turn to state or defend your opinions.

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Here are some statements to use, but may want to change or add ones that are more relevant to your students: 

• Computers enable students to work together on projects
• Students can learn more and faster online than just by reading books
• Online learning is more engaging and fun
• Computers let you be more creative
• Computers are better than books
• Technology makes learning easier
• There should be no rules about how we use tech in school
• All technology should be removed from schools
• No phones or watches should be allowed at school

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SAY: Let’s demonstrate - I’ll say, “Computers are better than books.” Think about your opinion of the statement, “Computers are better than books.” If you agree that ‘computers are better than books’, you’ll go to this side of the room, and if you don’t agree, then go to the other side of the room. 

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Allow students to move to their choice of sides. 

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SAY: You will now have a turn to explain your opinion. I am not a judge, and there is no winner. When you have the talking object, you may express your opinion and state a reason for it. Then, pass the object to someone on the other side.

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Gather students’ attention, then repeat the game with a new statement, having them move to one side or the other again.

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Reflect: 

ASK: Do you have any new opinions about how we use technology in school? 

Consider creating a Pros and Cons List for how technology impacts schools as a class.

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‍Key Learning: The importance of respecting different opinions and listening to others.

My Dream School

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Theme: Screens at school

Materials: Dream School Drawing Page

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Vocabulary: 1:1 Program

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SAY: A 1:1 Program is when a school or district provides every student with a computer or tablet. 

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ASK: Do we have that here? How is our tech used?

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SAY: If the things you do and watch on screen inspire you to be creative, curious, and kind, then yes, screen activities are helping grow your brain. 

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Explore: 

ASK: Look around our classroom. Are there more or less screens in our classroom than you thought there would be? How do we use computers or tablets in class? Do computers change the way I teach? 

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DO: Design your dream school.

We will work in teams to create and customize a Dream School. With your group, come up with a few creative ways to use technology in a classroom space. How can technology be used productively? You could draw or sketch, or make a list.  We’ll share ideas in 7 minutes. 

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Reflect: In your dream school, did you include screens? Why or why not? In your school, what are the screens capable of? What can they do? If you were allowed to use a personal device during class, what would you do (honestly)?

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‍Key Learnings: Students consider how they might customize their own learning environment, understanding how screens can be helpful tools for learning and creativity. Reflect on the impact of technology in the classroom and envision its role in an ideal learning environment.