- 1). Develop a learning goal. In order to effectively use E-tivities, you must have specific skills that you want your students to learn or practice. E-Tivities help students practice a range of basic and critical thinking skills, according to "Designing E-Tivities to Increase Learning to Learn Abilities," a research report by Maria Chiara Pettenati and Maria Elisabetta Cigognini of the University of Florence.
- 2). Indicate what students will need to do to reach the goal. Should the students be able to solve equations using a formula, should the students be able to conduct research to answer a question, or should the students be able to read stories to demonstrate comprehension?
- 3). Create an activity based on what students should know and do. The learning activity should be interactive. Students must be able to research, process what they have learned, and use online resources to share the information. Common electronic activities or E-Tivities include scavenger hunts, in which students must use search engines to find information related to the learning goal. Students can also create their own PowerPoint presentations with pictures, create videos, or write blog entries to answer questions.
- 4). Gather materials needed for the activity. Make sure that middle school students have access to everything that they need for their activity. Clip art for creating PowerPoint presentations, video cameras or video footage for making a short video, and a selection of websites that they can search for a scavenger hunt are some ideas for some materials that will be needed.
- 5). Give your students clear, written directions and an example. Because students understand through hearing, seeing, and doing, not only should you explain the assignment, but you need to give them a written record of what to do, and show them what you want.
Source...