I want to preface this blog post by saying that the following response was created with the hope I would be able to use a similar lesson in a future math classroom. As we read for this module, digital literacy is by no means isolated to the language arts classroom and I am compelled to extend the concept in my future math space.
The prompt for the given assignment asked us to, "give an example of an activity or project that you have or could assign in your teaching context/discipline that could leverage analog and digital learning experiences toward a complex learning goal." With that being said, I immediately thought of how to incorporate coding into an algebra curriculum and further, expanding beyond the screen with a (brief due to the frustrating tension of state testing) lesson regarding hackers and the social impacts hacking may have in our digitized world.
Ideally, the lesson would begin with an introduction on coding and how at first glance the language may look extremely complicated, but compel learners to step up to the challenge. Python is simple when it comes to math equations, ones that students are working with on a daily basis in algebra I. An experience with coding will be authentic in ways that students can realize the situations in which math may be used beyond a worksheet. I have been in math classrooms countless times as a substitute teacher where students are saying, "when am I going to do this in real life"; giving them an example of this may invest them in their learning in new ways. One day spent familiarizing students with coding, followed by a more structured lesson and practice, continuing on to a day to allow students to play around with the coding may be a great place to start with opportunities to continue based on student engagement.
Post-lesson, engaging students in "beyond the screen" activities, students will, "be invited to explore the social context and impacts of digital technologies in the world today" (Aguilera, 2017, p. 3). It would be important to me to incorporate at least one lesson on exploring a social issue that stems from this piece of digital literacy, my first thought being hacking and the implications this may have on society. Hacking is not only an issue with individual security, but also groups, states, countries, etc. that could threaten people's safety. This is a massive issue that needs to be resolved as we move into a more digitized world, one that these students may one day solve.
In creating this lesson, an important consideration will be my particular students interest and drive to work with technology in the first place. A similar tension was described in Magnifico et. al.'s work about affinity spaces, "students who do not seek out their own experiences in online spaces do not comprehend the broader patterns or contexts of participation...they may not experience UGC affinity spaces in consistent ways" (Magnifico et. al., 2018, p. 148). Although we will not be working with affinity spaces, the same situation may apply in terms of coding, students may not have positive experiences dependent on their drive and background knowledge. With that being said, there may be extra opportunities afterschool to engage in familiarizing practices prior to any in class lessons. Additionally, there may be no homework assigned with this series of lessons as access at home may be limited, in addition to the fact for most this will be a new concept with limited understanding from individuals at home that may offer extra support.
References:
Aguilera, E. (2017). More than bits and bytes. Literacy Today, 35(3), 12-13.
Magnifico, A. M., Lammers, J. C., & Fields, D. A. (2018). Affinity spaces, literacies and classrooms: tensions and opportunities. Literacy, 52(3), 145–152. https://doi-org.sunyempire.idm.oclc.org/10.1111/lit.12133
Arianna,
ReplyDeleteI love that you used this in a math sense. You are totally right that digital literacy can be used in math. It seems like you teach older students; but even at my first grade level I have students use platforms to create word problems in math online! I really love how you said that this is not an assignment that would be expected to be completed at home, as they might not have the resources at home. I also think having students work with coding is so important for successful lives in this day and age! I really wish it was something I understood more. Great post! I hope you actually do this lesson.
Hi Arianna,
ReplyDeleteWhen completely this lesson would you include authentic information on the history of coding and where coding applies in their life, all students being included? I feel like allow this navigates off of the expected curriculum this is where teachers have the chance to empower students to think creatively and constructively. I enjoyed the idea that you are going to apply digital literacy in your mathematics class. I believe developing consciousness on, behind, and beyond the screen is important in all areas of learning and life.
Hi Arianna, Your comment "frustrating tension of state testing" is so relatable! I loved your lesson idea as it is so applicable to the world we live in. I remember learning coding back in 2004, during my computer class and I am so mad at myself for not keeping up with it because there are so many profitable outlets to use it today. I struggled last year with my sixth graders to use technology in lessons.I see that you are high school level so these may not benefit you as much but I found online math games like Boddle, legends of learning, blooket, and 99math to help with different concepts. Didax also makes their manipulatives online. There is a blooket game that uses hacking to gain "money" which could be a fun to tie into the lesson. Keep up the hard work and creativity, I know its hard to keep wanting to do fun lessons with state exams looming over you but your students will appreciate these lessons!
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