Using Discussions (Multimedia)

Web Tool:

Industry:

How to Use a Glucose Meter

“How to Use a Glucose Meter” is an activity that utilizes Voicethread.com (group audio blog) to facilitate on-line instructions on how to use a glucose meter. The focus of the activity is to increase vocabulary as well as on how to give instructions.

Outcomes:

The learner will be able to:

  • Build vocabulary related to medicine
  • Give instructions step by step sequentially

Preparation:

  • Note instructor needs to create a voicethread account before starting this activity
    • Search Flickr for a glucose meter photo to start the Voicethread.
  • Talk about the need to prepare, create, and edit long before learners sit down to 'publish' their ideas (publishing provides added incentive to perform well and take ownership of work)
  • Review how to give instructions

Delivery:

  1. Warm-Up
    • Teach the tool if necessary
    • Remind that this tool can transform collections of media, like images, videos, documents, and presentations, into a place for a conversation
  2. Presentation
    • Outline the expectations for the lesson
    • Present any information felt necessary
  3. Practice
    • Use the first voice thread as part one - give instructions to a patient on how to use a glucose meter
      • Practice posting step by step instructions
      • Discuss how photos of each step would be very useful
    • Then have groups of students choose their own health related “how to” such as how to use an epi-pen
      • Research instructions if necessary
      • Create key vocabulary list; define if necessary
      • Do in pairs, with one student being the nurse and the other student being the patient
      • Practice the script and take photos before entering ideas on the voicethread
  4. Production
    • View each group's voicethread and provide feedback

The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) skills addressed by this activity are:

  • Listening
  • Speaking
  • Reading
  • Writing