History in an Engilsh Class? Why not =)

I approached this multimedia lesson plan lightly, assuming that it would not be very difficult to integrate technology in my lesson and in turn, require students to complete an assignment using technology. My first thoughts were, "Teach the Parts of Speech using a PowerPoint and a School House Rock video and then have students present their own." But, that was too simple, too common, too boring. After long contemplation, I decided to give a lesson that involved a brief lesson on the Civil War, which is relevant to my subject area in that its effects strirred writers and song writer to react in the literary world and the music industry. Majority of my lessons for education courses are spefically English (grammar, writing, literature, for example), so I found it difficult yet fun and interesting to incorporate history and music in a lesson.

After figuring out how to present the lesson, I found it even harder to give an assignment in which students had to use technology other than a PowerPoint presentation to show their understanding and creativity. Because music plays such a big role in peoples' lives, I decided that a fun and different way to get students to participate was to have them make their own music, along with a music video. A problem I faced in making this lesson was that not all students are equipped with a video recorder or video makerprogram on their computers. For the sake of this lesson, my classroom was already equipped with video making materials for the students to use during class, and after school (for those who do not have these at home).

The NETS*T Standard that I thought very important in the making of this lesson plan was 3B, which is to use technology to support learner-centered strategies that address the diverse needs of students. I realize that this is a big project and not many students (especially in middle and high school) are mentally disciplined to work as hard for their grades. But, I think that because it involves music (and they can create it however they wish: rap, reggae, hip-hop, etc) there is a lot of room for creativity. This standard calls for precision on the teacher's (my) part to avoid any confusion in the students, as they will be working with their peers to complete the assignment. The project, I think, is very relevant to the subject area: students are required to use their creative writing skills and create a rendition of a song on slavery (or create their own) and then make a music video (they can dance, they can create an animated movie; whatever they like), and it will force them to use technology (which they often use for pleasure and fun) and use it for educational purposes.