Instructional Software

Lesson Idea Name: Introduction to Theme

Content Area: Reading/ELA
Grade Level(s): 6-8

Content Standard Addressed:

CCSS.ELA.8.RI2 Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of
the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

Technology Standard Addressed:

ISTE 2.0 Candidate demonstrates the ability to integrate technology into standards-based teaching,
learning, and assessment.

Selected Technology Tool: Brain Pop

URL(s) to support the lesson: https://www.brainpop.com/english/writing/theme/

Type of Instructional Software:

☒ Drill and Practice ☒ Tutorial ☐ Simulation ☒ Instructional Game ☐ e-books/e-

references

Features of this software:

☒ Assessment Monitoring/Reporting
☒ Allows the teacher to create customized lessons for students
☐ Multi-user or collaborative functions with others in the class
☐ Multi-user or collaborative with others outside the class
☒ Accessible to students beyond the school day
☒ Accessible via mobile devices
☒ Multiple languages
☒ Safety, security and/or privacy features

Bloom’s Taxonomy Level(s):

☒ Remembering ☒ Understanding ☒ Applying ☒ Analyzing ☐ Evaluating ☐ Creating

Levels of Technology Integration (LoTi Level):

☐ Level 1: Awareness ☐ Level 2: Exploration ☐ Level 3: Infusion ☒ Level 4: Integration

☐ Level 5: Expansion ☐ Level 6: Refinement

Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Brain Pop incorporates several adaptive features embedded
within the software that is useful for instructors with a diverse student population. The use of multiple
means of representation can benefit students with learning or sensory disabilities and minimizes
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language barriers (UDL Center, 2014). The “what” of learning is represented by the availability of the
software in Spanish and French with the option for closed captions and adjustable playback rate to
accommodate students with sensory deficits. The “how” of learning is available in multiple formats
with students able to demonstrate acquisition by creating graphic organizers, mapping tool, or
educational gaming software and available on desktop and mobile devices. The “why” of learning
assessment feature includes options for educators to adjust the question format (i,.e. short answer,
multiple choice, true or false). Enrichment activities are also available (i,.e. NEWSELA) which
provides the same article at different Lexile levels to differentiate instruction. The features
embedded in this instructional software offers teachers the tools to support all student learners.
Lesson idea implementation: Brain Pop helps instructors to customize lesson plans, by selecting the
appropriate grade level and Common Core Standard to coincide with the course content. Also, the
instructional software makes it possible for educators to differentiate lesson plans ensuring mastery of
standards appropriate to student grade level. In collaboration with their peers, integrating technology
can take up to twenty-five minutes and encourages students to engage in a universal design to
learning. The software also allows students to explore a higher level of thinking with features
embedded to create maps, code video, and use assessment tools to review course content.
Before watching the video, the instructor can assess the student current level of understanding by
instructing students to complete the What You Know section of the KWL chart as their warmup
activity. Following a brief introduction of the topic, students can share responses as a group or with
their table partner. As a class, the instructor will view the instructional video and use preselected
stopping points in the video to discuss tricky or new concepts with students. You can also work
simultaneously to complete the What you Found Interesting section of the KWL chart. Students will
work independently for 10-15 minutes, during which time the instructor will monitor student progress
and work one on one with students in need of additional instruction. The students will then complete
the What you learned section of the KWL chart and submitted the graphic organizer as their exit
ticket.
Reflective Practice: The purpose of the activities implemented in the lesson is to teach students how
to identify the central theme of a story. By introducing a flexible curriculum with multiple means of
representation, expression, and engagement of students in the diverse classroom are given the
opportunity to equally access the course content. Subsequent lessons can develop learning with
students exploring enrichment activities, graphic organizers, and vocabulary pertaining to the course
content. Overall, Brain Pop is a useful resource for universal and differentiated instruction and can
help improve the academic achievement of all students in the classroom.

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