Listen to Color

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

Digital Literacy and Computer Science
English Language Arts

Grade(s)

4

Overview

Students will be introduced to a technology tool that enables Neil Harbisson, who is color blind, to “see” colors by listening to an audio tone that is assigned to a color, which is sent to him via bone conductivity.

This activity was created as a result of the DLCS COS Resource Development Summit.

Phase

Before/Engage
Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 4

DLCS18.4.20

Explain how hardware and applications can enable everyone, including people with disabilities, to do things they could not do otherwise.

UP:DLCS18.4.20

Vocabulary

  • hardware
  • applications
  • Global Positioning System

Knowledge

Students know:
  • technology is used to help a variety of users with many tasks.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • explain how hardware and applications can enable everyone, including people with disabilities, to do things they could not do otherwise.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • technology is used to help a variety of users with a variety of tasks.
English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 4

ELA21.4.31

Orally paraphrase portions of a text or information presented in diverse media when collaborating and/or presenting.

UP:ELA21.4.31

Vocabulary

  • Orally paraphrase
  • Diverse media
  • Collaborating
  • Presenting

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Paraphrasing means to express the same meaning of the original source, but use different words or phrases.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Orally paraphrase portions of text or other presented information in presentations or groups.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Paraphrasing can demonstrate they understand the source information well enough to rephrase it in their own words.

Learning Objectives

Students will restate information obtained from viewing the TED Talk.

Students will explain how hardware and software are used by Neil Harbisson to enable him to see in color, which he was not able to do before using the technology tools.

Activity Details

Students will:

Listen to Neil Harbisson’s TED Talk, I Listen to Color, and complete the first section of the handout of 3 things they learned, 2 interesting things, and 1 question they have. The handout can be printed or posted in an online learning management such as Google Classroom, Microsoft Classroom, Canvas, etc. 

Discuss with a partner their 3, 2, 1 items.

Participate in a class discussion where several groups share their 3, 2, 1 items. The teacher will record the discussion in a digital or print format.

Answer the remaining three questions on the handout with a group of three to four students.

  1. What are helpful technologies you use in your life or your parents use? What makes them so great?

  2. What are some of the ways technology has changed how you learn at school or home?

  3. At the end, Neil challenged you to think about which senses you could extend with technology. Choose a sense and brainstorm how technology already available or new ideas could extend the sense. (Optional - create a design sketch with details of ideas.)

Share responses with the class.

 

Assessment Strategies

Students will be assessed based on information within completed handout and group/class discussion.

 

Variation Tips

Individuals or small groups research questions they had while listening to Neil’s TED Talk.

Research assistive technology tools to identify users, how the technology works, and share their findings with the class and others.

Background / Preparation

Watch Neil Harbisson’s TED Talk to become familiar with the content of the talk.

Print and copy one handout per student or post the handout on an online classroom management tool.

 

TED Talk:
https://www.ted.com/talks/neil_harbisson_i_listen_to_color?language=en

Approved Date

Owner (Author)

aprilchamberlai
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