Multi-Media, Multi-Minded: A Look at the Many Ways to Teach and Learn Shakespeare

Name of Multimedia Learning Object: The Play’s the Thing: Teaching Shakespeare with Performance CD-Rom

Subject Area: English Language Arts

Grade Level: 10-12

Source - URL: http://mainelyshakespeare.com/cdrom.html

Description of Multimedia Learning Object: This Cd-Rom, once purchased, acts as both a teacher’s guide and student’s work book as it allows both to follow along through the: multiple activities for voice and text; video clips; assessment tools; connections to National Standards; printable activities. The animation found within this CD-Rom allows for students to actively access the way in which they are presenting Shakespearian plays and allows them to see where and how they need improvement. The CD-Rom helps both students and teachers understand through video clips how Shakespeare can be more effectively utilized within the classroom.

Description of Integration Idea (how you intend to use it in the classroom): I would use this tool within the classroom by presenting the video clips to students and allowing them to see how creative they can get while acting out and exploring the likes of Shakespeare. This tool really promotes excitement and allows the students to be actively engaged in what the Shakespearian era really would have been like. This CD-Rom offers a lot of printable activities that students can use to help further their knowledge of Shakespeare, which would also be helpful in the classroom. The tool not only is beneficial for the students but acts as a teacher’s guide as well and offers tips to teachers on how to effectively teach the unit.

Planning and Preparation: This Cd-Rom would have to be purchased in advance and mediated b the teacher before implementation could effectively occur. The teacher should know the operations of the tool before utilizing it within the classroom. Printable handouts should be printed off before being used for classroom aid. We must also keep in mind that this tool does have a fee of $29.95 USD plus shipping and handling that should be accounted for before deciding whether or not to implement it within the classroom.

Subject Outcome: There are two main General Learner Outcomes that fit with the implementation of this resource into an English language Arts program.

General Learner Outcome #2: The students will listen, speak, read, write, view and represent to comprehend literature and other texts in oral, print, visual and multimedia forms, and respond personally, critically and creatively.
General Learner Outcome #4: Students will listen, speak, read, write, view and represent to create oral, print, visual and multimedia texts, and enhance the clarity and artistry of communication.

ICT Outcomes:
P3: Students will communicate through multimedia
P4: Students will integrate various applications
C3: Students will critically assess information accessed through the use of a variety of technologies.
C5: Students will use technology to aid collaboration during inquiry
C7: Students will use electronic research techniques to construct personal knowledge and meaning
F4: Students will become discerning consumers of mass media and electronic information
F6: Students will demonstrate a basic understanding of the operating skills required in a variety of technologies