The Lewis and Clark Expedition Hyper Doc.

   

Fundamentals of Teaching: Evaluate 

   

     I chose the Lewis and Clark expedition lesson because it was one of the most interesting social studies lessons for me.  I think this lesson can be from the information processing model since it centers around concept formation. But the lesson is heavily based on computer-assisted learning and therefore might be from the behavioral model. This lesson uses various instructional strategies, including experimental learning, direct instruction, and independent study. In each strategy, teachers can use a variety of skills to help students learn about the topic. For instance, a few skills used in the Lewis and Clark lesson can relate to direct instruction. One of these skills in the Lewis and Clark lesson was using an interactive lecture The article "Approaches to instruction" explains interactive lectures as "engaging student thinking throughout the lesson by discussing, comparing/contrasting,  analyzing, and applying new information to different situations." "When the hyper docs lesson started, students were first asked to watch this video, read this article, and complete this activity to gain background information on the Louisiana purchase. The students were asked to explore the resources keep this question in mind: How did the Louisiana Purchase change the United States in 1803? by asking this question first. The teacher was able to ask follow-up questions. The questions are posed in chronological order allowing students to build on their knowledge from start to finish. With the interactive approach to the lesson, the teacher asks the students to apply what they have learned from videos or readings to questions involving new situations. 

    The Lewis and Clark expedition lesson can also relate to experimental learning and uses skills such as using simulations and games. The article "Approaches to instruction" explains that experimental learning is "inductive, learner-centered, and activity-oriented. By reflecting on an experience, one is more apt to plan and apply learnings to other contexts. These are critical factors for effective experiential learning." Students were asked to click on a map in the hyper docs lesson in order to follow Lewis and Clark's journey through the unknown area of the Louisiana purchase. Once they clicked on the map, they were required to watch videos or read articles before answering questions. For one activity, students were required to play a game. In this game, Students are required to click on locations on a  map of the expedition to learn facts and details before answering the question, "What land, animals, and people did Lewis and Clark encounter on their expedition?" Students were also required to play the lewis and Clark into the unknown stimulation. In this simulation, students were required to step into Lewis and Clark's shoes and lead the expedition. They were required to make the choices Lewis and Clark would have had to make when exploring the unknown.

    The Lewis and Clark expedition lesson can also relate to the independent study. Independent Study uses skills such as Computer-Assisted learning. The article "Approaches to instruction" explained that independent study "refers to the range of instructional methods which are provided to foster the development of individual student initiative, self-reliance, and self-improvement." This lesson on the Lewis and Clark expedition uses multiple online resources to teach students. For example, this lesson was created using hyper docs. When using hyper docs, students have access to numerous resources at the click of a button. The HyperDocs website states, "With one shortened link, students can access a lesson that contains instructions, links, tasks, and many clever ways to get kids thinking. Focusing on creating opportunities for choice, exploration, and ways for kids to apply their knowledge is key to creating a truly innovative HyperDoc." In the hyper doc lesson, students, as I mentioned previously, were required to watch multiple videos, read articles, interact with simulations, and play games based on what they have learned. After completing each activity, students were required to answer questions. The teacher used these questions to determine if the students understood the main idea of the assignment. 

    The last activity was that after stepping into the shoes of Lewis and Clark and completing their expedition. Students were then required to answer a final question on padlet. Padlet is an online website where teachers and students can post responses or comments to a question or topic. Padlet is hugely beneficial in a classroom. It can help with group work. The article "Why Padlet is An Important Tool for Your Classroom," written by Elizabeth A. Halsted, states, "It will enable you to share your unique ideas in class or home group research session with your friends and class fellows. Moreover, you and your friends can share their researched ideas with everyone by placing it on the Padlet wall." when students work together in groups using Padlet. They have access to whatever resources someone else has posted. They can share resources, links, and ideas. It also requires a student to place their name on the comments they make so teachers can determine who worked on what portion of the project and who put the most work in. Padlet is also a way for teachers to collect participation points. On padlet, students can ask questions about a lesson and answer exit tickets. 

    This lesson is very pedagogical. More importantly, it is a fantastic example of digital pedagogy. As stated on Wikipedia, digital pedagogy is " the study and use of contemporary digital technologies in teaching and learning. Teachers may apply digital pedagogy to online, hybrid, and face-to-face learning environments." The lesson  uses multiple online sources such as videos, articles, and interactive activities to teach students about the Lewis and Clark expedition. The hyper doc format is straightforward and easy to navigate, and the task the teacher wants the student to complete is stated clearly. But unfortunately, some of the links are broken, and the original link would be difficult to find for someone at a fourth-grade or fifth-grade level. The type of lesson is also suitable to use. There is not too much text which means that students will not be discouraged from reading too much. They also won't be overwhelmed by how much information is presented. The lesson uses short videos that focus on key points and main ideas about the expedition. If I was teaching a class about Lewis and Clark. I would use this Hyper Doc, but I would make sure the links are working.