Collaborative Learning: Infusion Level

(9-12 Lesson)

Cellphones: Tools at Hand
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Grade Level
9-12
Classroom Configuration:
  • Whole group activity, with individuals or small groups using personal cellphones
    • Modification: If students are not allowed or cannot use cellphones this activity can be done using computers, laptops, or other handheld devices.
Arizona State Content Standards
  • Social Studies
    • Strand 2: World History
      • Concept 8: World at War
        • PO 4: Examine the period between WWI and WWII
        • PO 5: Analyze aspects of WWII
        • PO 6: Examine genocide as a manifestation of extreme nationalism in the 20th Century.
  • Writing
    • Strand 3: Writing Applications
      • Concept 2: Expository
        • PO 1: Communicates information and ideas from primary and/or secondary sources accurately and coherently, as appropriate.
Arizona Educational Technology Standards (2009)
  • Strand 1: Creativity and Innovation
    • Concept 4: Original Works
      • PO 1: Create innovative products or projects using digital tools to express original ideas.
  • Strand 3: Research and Information Literacy
    • Concept 2: Processing
      • PO 4: Synthesize research information to create new understanding and innovative solutions.
Objectives
  • Student teams of 2 will research Hitler's mastery of propaganda and powers of persuasion.
  • Teams will collaborate and reflect on a picture of Hitler broadcasting a radio program in WWII.
  • Teams will theorize how Hitler became so influential and persuaded millions to follow him.
  • Teams will use cellphones to text answers to teacher, which will be displayed on the board via Wiffiti.com (a site that will display multiple feeds to one screen).
Procedure

*Note: If students do not have a SMS text messaging plan on their cellphones, have them team up with a student that does.

  1. Discuss Hitler's dictatorship of Germany in WWII.
  2. Define propaganda and the power of persuasion
  3. View archival footage about the life of Adolph Hitler at Discovery Streaming, How Stuff Works.com
  4. Show picture, Adolph Hitler at a radio in World War II. from Discovery Streaming.
  5. Ask "What was the impact of his radio address?" "Was radio then like radio now?" "TV?" "The Internet?"
  6. In a team of 2 students, research Hitler on your cellphones and theorize how you think Hitler was able to rise to such terrifying power and rule most of Europe for 4 years even though he believed he would rule for 1000 years.
    1. Using your cellphones, text your theory to teacher.
    2. Using Wiffiti.com You are able to display the text messages up on the screen for the class to see. Students love seeing their messages displayed on the board.
  8. Finalize with individuals and teams supporting their theories in a class discussion.
Materials
  • Computer
  • Projector
  • Speakers
  • Internet
  • Student cellphones (or laptops or handheld devices)
    • SMS text messaging plan on cellphones, desired but not mandatory (see Note above)
  • Website Resources:
Assessment
  • Anecdotal observation of student motivation and engagement when collaborating with another student while using their cellphones to research and text in class.
TIM - Collaborative: Infusion
Northern Arizona University