Memes are a common form of expression for teenage students. Learn how to combine student interest in memes using Google Docs and Drawings in order to address literacy standards in a fun and engaging manner. Materials will be provided to ensure students do not encounter inappropriate content when creating memes.
Session Overview INTRO (5 minutes) Participants will be introduced to what memes are and how they are used to communicate ideas. The synthesis of images and comments frequently leads to the creative sharing of thoughts resulting in critical thinking around text. Examples of viral memes will be shared in order to create a common understanding.
BACKGROUND/RESEARCH (5 minutes) Dana Boyd - Teen communication styles online - Memes are a common form of self expression for teens. Howard Gardner - Online culture is reshaping the sense of identity in teens. Jennifer Casa-Todd - Pop Culture is a universal language.
LESSON EXAMPLE AND LITERACY STANDARDS (20 minutes)
Participants will be given all necessary lesson materials in the form of Google Docs. These materials will allow them to crosswalk literacy and content standards while adding to student engagement through the use of social media The materials include a collection of appropriately curated meme templates so that students will not have to worry about content being blocked nor encounter inappropriate content. A usage guide and step by step instructions for how to create memes using Google Docs and Google Drawings will be provided. Participants will be guided on how to use the lesson materials to create engaging learning experiences as well as how to teach literacy content standards in numerous content areas.
CREATE (15 minutes) Using the lesson materials, participants will take the role of a student in order to create and contribute a meme to a shared Google Doc. Several Google Docs will be provided in a variety of subject areas, allowing everyone to have an opportunity to see the wide application possibilities of the concepts. Participants will have the opportunity to apply their learning to their own subject area, and examples will then be shared in order to have further examples from the crowdsourced material.
Diversity The concepts and resources shared in this session support diversity, equity and inclusion in several ways such as: 1. Multiple methods of expression will be shared in the examples which allows students who do not fully understand or connect with the meme concepts to still participate in the learning. 2. Lesson examples and templates are shared from a variety of subjects and topics to show how this idea can be used for all subjects and topics. 3. The open ended nature of the activity allows student expression through voice and choice.
