Class 13: Lesson Design With Sway

Today’s class will meet in the Clark Library Digital Lab where we will begin design of our final project – a historical document-based lesson (DBL).

Your DBL will include:

1. Essential question for student to consider. Open ended, invites discussion / debate. If possible phrase so it continues to be a relevant question.
2. Introduction of the lesson with brief historical context as needed.
3. About 5 – 8 related documents (image, text, video, audio) that will assist the students in exploring the essential question.
4. A scaffolding question for each document to assist the student in examining the document.

We will be using Microsoft Sway as our design tool.

See Peter’s sample DBL made with Sway.

Progress and Poverty in Industrial America

The industrial revolution of the late 19th century produced economic “winners and losers” as it transformed American society from a traditional agricultural economy to a modern industrial power. The period between the Civil War and WWI saw tremendous industrial and commercial expansion. Throughout the 19th century, Americans had faith in the idea of progress, and many people viewed this economic growth as evidence of the superiority of the American system. But while increased production did improve the general standard of living, industrialization concentrated wealth and power in the hands of a few “captains of industry.” For the millions of Americans who worked in the new factories and mines this economic revolution meant long hours, low wages and dangerous working conditions. As new technologies and economic growth impacted every aspect of American society, it created both new opportunities and greater social divisions between rich and poor.

Go to this Sway

Each student will log into their UP Microsoft 365 account and design their own Sway. (They will also invite Peter as a collaborator.)

For assistance using Sway check these resources

• How to Sway – this covers the essentials – and it’s made in Sway, so it’s a great demo
• Getting Started with Sway  – overview
• Sway Quick Start – a step-by-step guide