Factors to consider when designing an activity

There are several places where you could start coming up with an idea for an activity. The suggestions made here are not the only factors worth considering, nor is the sequence described here the only order that could be followed in coming to a decision. Consider those factors that make the most sense to you and in the order that seems most appropriate.

Factor One: Your Vision
Based on Lesson Two, or on your sense of how you would like to enhance your curriculum, what are some of the things you would most like to see change? What are the new directions in which you would like to move your curriculum?

Factor Two: Your Situation
Most of us are required to cover certain topics. These are usually prescribed by the school district's curriculum guide or the State's guidelines. Are there required topics that lend themselves to some kind of telecollaborative activity? Are there topics that you are currently teaching out of the textbook that would come alive if they were to be taught within the framework of a collaborative activity?

Factor Three: Your Students
Are there topics that really seem to grasp the interest of your students? Are there ways in which your students can become more responsible for their own learning? Can their learning be made more active?

Factor Four: Your Interests
Lessons come alive when we teach about something in which we are really interested. Is it possible to develop an activity around one of your own interests?

Factor Five: Your Community
Meaningful learning is more likely to occur when students liken what happens in the classroom to real life issues in the community. Are there any such issues that would lend themselves to becoming the focus of a collaborative activity? Would you be able to involve community members in the activity?

Activity
1. Considering the five above factors, and any others that you think are relevant, what are some topics or areas that would lend themselves to a collaborative activity? Write them out.

2. If you are doing this lesson as part of a group, share your ideas with others and ask for feedback. Give others in your group feedback and ideas on their topics.