Middle Level ICT integration

 Middle Level ICT integration.

My todays lesson on Middle Level ICT integration was enlightening and interesting as well. For it aids in my future career as a teacher and further, strengthens my calibers. So let me share what I have learnt in this session. The middle level of ICT integration refers to a stage in the process of incorporating technology into teaching and learning where educators have moved beyond basic use of technology tools and are beginning to integrate them more deeply into their instructional practices. This level typically involves a greater emphasis on using technology to enhance student engagement, facilitate collaboration, and promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Characteristics of the middle level of ICT integration may include:

1. Use of technology for interactive and collaborative activities: Educators at this level often use technology tools to create interactive and collaborative learning experiences for students, such as online discussions, group projects, and virtual simulations.

2. Integration of multimedia resources: Teachers incorporate multimedia resources, such as videos, animations, and interactive simulations, to enhance instruction and provide multiple modalities for students to engage with content.

3. Differentiated instruction: Technology is used to personalize learning experiences and meet the diverse needs of students through adaptive learning platforms, digital formative assessments, and individualized feedback.

4. Emphasis on digital literacy and information literacy: Educators focus on developing students' skills in evaluating information, conducting research, and critically analyzing digital content to promote responsible and ethical use of technology.

5. Professional development: Teachers at this level actively seek out professional development opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills in integrating technology effectively into their teaching practices.

The concept of the middle level of ICT integration emphasizes the shift from using technology as a supplemental tool to integrating it as an integral part of teaching and learning. Educators at this stage are focused on leveraging technology to create meaningful learning experiences, foster student-centered approaches, and promote higher order thinking skills. By reaching this level of integration, teachers can effectively harness the power of technology to enhance student engagement, collaboration, and achievement in the classroom.

Today we were oriented on using PhET  simulation. PhET simulations are interactive computer

programs designed to help people learn about science and math. PhET simulations are interactive educational tools developed by the PhET Interactive Simulations project at the University of Colorado Boulder.  It has got certain benefits like free access, interactive, learner friendly and it covers a wide range of topics from science and math. Traditional classrooms have their place, but PhET simulations offer some unique advantages that can enhance learning. 

1.Visulizing the abstract: some scientific and mathematical concepts can be difficult to grasp from textbooks or lectures alone. PhET simulations provide visual representations that can help solidify understanding.

2. Safe exploration: simulation allow students to experiment in a safe environment. They can test out theories and see the consequences without the risk of damaging equipment or materials. 

3. Interactive learning: PhET simulations allow students to interact with virtual models and conduct experiments in a hands-on, interactive way. This can help students better understand complex concepts by visualizing and manipulating them in real time.

4. Engagement: PhET simulations are designed to be engaging and fun, which can help increase student motivation and interest in the subject matter. This can lead to improved learning outcomes and retention of knowledge.

5. Accessibility: PhET simulations are freely available online, which makes them accessible to students and teachers around the world. This can be particularly beneficial for students who do not have access to expensive laboratory equipment or resources.

6. Flexibility: PhET simulations can be used in a variety of settings, including traditional classrooms, online courses, and independent study. This flexibility allows teachers to incorporate simulations into their teaching in a way that best fits their students' needs.

while PhET simulations are a powerful tool, they shouldn't replace traditional classrooms entirely. Teachers can use them to supplement lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on labs to create a well-rounded learning experience.

After learning about PhET simulation, we have carried out an activity on designing parallel circuit. we have manipulated the number of wires, bulbs and batteries to observe the differences in voltage and current. Now I would like to share the instructional process or procedure that I carried out for designing the parallel circuit using PhET simulation.

1. Search "https://phet.colorado.edu"

2. Click on "https://phet.colorado.edu"

3. Then select the subject you want (I choose Physics as parallel circuit comes under Physics)

4. Select "Circuit construction Kit: DC."

5. Click "lab."

6. Design the circuit correctly using PhET interactive simulations.

7. Use the correct materials while constructing the parallel circuit following correct procedures.

8. Measure the voltage and current using ammeter and voltmeter.

9. Record the measurement of current and voltage in the table.

10. Change the number of wires, bulbs and batteries and record the measurement.

Glimpse of my class work😁😁😂

Design a lesson plan integrating PhET simulation.

Sydney Micro Lesson Plan on Three States of Matter

Class: V

Subject: Science  

Topic: Three States of Matter

Time: 40 minutes 

ICT model: TPACK model 

Teaching Methods: Collaborative learning, independent learning and guided learning.

TPACK Model Integration:

Technological Knowledge (TK): Students will use an interactive simulation (PhET Interactive Simulations: States of Matter) to explore particle movement in solids, liquids, and gasses.

Pedagogical Knowledge (PK): The lesson will be guided, with the teacher facilitating discussions and activities to ensure student understanding. The teacher and students will work together to develop ideas about the three states of matter, and students will independently watch a particle simulation and answer questions. 

Content Knowledge (CK): The teacher possesses a strong understanding of the three states of matter (solid, liquid, and gas) and their properties.

Previous knowledge:

• Students should have a basic understanding of matter and its properties, like mass and volume.

Materials Required: 

• Chart Paper

• Markers

• Textbook 

• Bags with various objects ( marble, water balloon, balloon filled with air) 

• Interactive Simulation ( PhET interactive simulations on Three States of Matter) 

• Access to Computer or Phones

• Kahoot 

Lesson Objectives: 

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

•  Identify the three main states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas.

•  Describe the arrangement and movement of particles in each state of matter by watching PhET simulations.

•  Differentiate between states of matter based on their properties.

Lesson Introduction (10 minutes):

Brainstorming: Start by asking students what everything around them is made of. Write down their answers on a chart and introduce the concept of "matter."  (content knowledge)

Demonstration: Hold up the bag with various objects and ask students to predict what's inside without looking. Reveal the objects one by one and ask them to describe their shape and how they feel. (content knowledge)

Guiding Questions: Ask prompting questions like, "Can all these objects change their shape?" "Can they all be poured?" Introduce the terms "solid," "liquid," and "gas." To get a clear picture of “Three States of Matter,” we will let students watch a video. (Guided learning)

(Link for the video: https://youtu.be/QQsybALJoew?si=bG8hbMDVZaT7zLo7) 

(Technological knowledge)

Lesson Development (20 minutes)

Activity 1: Sorting Mania (10 minutes) (pedagogy; collaborative learning)

• Divide the class into small groups.

• Provide each group with a set of everyday objects (paper clip, juice box, cotton ball, etc.).

• Instruct them to sort the objects into three categories based on their properties (shape, ability to flow).

• Let them use the table given below to sort the objects.

state of matter	Shape	Ability to Flow
Solid
liquid
Gas

Monitoring Activity:

• Observe participation

• always open for questions and doubts

• presenting clear instructions

Follow-up Activity:

• Facilitate a class discussion where each group shares their sorting criteria and objects in each category.

• Connect three states of matter with the sorted objects.

Activity 2: Particle Power (10 minutes) (pedagogy: guided learning and independent learning)

Briefly explain the concept of tiny particles making up all matter.

Guide students to the PhET simulation: [PhET Interactive Simulations: States of Matter] (https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/states-of-matter/latest/states-of-matter_all.html) (Technological knowledge) 

Instruct them to explore the simulation and observe how the particles move in solids, liquids, and gasses. After that, ask them to answer the following questions independently:

1. How do the particles in a solid, liquid, or gas differ in their movement and spacing?

2. How does the arrangement of particles affect the properties of each state of matter (shape, volume, and flow)? 

Monitoring Activity:

The teacher will go around to ensure all students have access to the PhET simulation website and are actively doing the task assigned.

Follow-up Activity: 

Facilitate a discussion about how particle movement relates to the properties of each state (solids have a fixed shape, liquids take the shape of the container, and gasses have no fixed shape or volume).

Extended Learning Activity:

Let the students answer the following questions if they are done before the time or rest of the friends

1. Can you think of any real-life examples that demonstrate the properties of solids, liquids, and gasses?

2. Research and learn about the fourth state of matter, plasma. How is it different from the other three states?

Lesson Closure (10 minutes): (pedagogy: collaborative learning)

Review the three states of matter and their key properties.

Play a quick game for one minute. Call out an object, and students respond by saying "solid," "liquid," or "gas.". For example, a teacher will say stone, and students should say solid; a teacher will say juice; the students should say liquid; and so on. 

After that, ask students to do a kahoot quiz on three states of matter with a group of 6 members. Quiz link: https://create.kahoot.it/details/03ec7ef1-2d0e-4d65-a67d-118eb51f63a9) (Technological knowledge)

Finally, we will do an exit ticket session to close the lesson. For that, we will briefly have students write down one interesting fact they learned about the states of matter.