Computers in the Classroom

1.       What can I do to “get ready” for a lesson in which my students use computers?

Have the computers ready to go before class.  Have prepared clear objectives and possible outlines for the lesson and provide students with a checklist of what you want accomplished.   Also teachers can create a template or bookmark specific sites prior to the lesson.

2.       Where does the “computer part” come when I am teaching a lesson?

It all depends on the lesson being taught.  If you are having students study the rainforest, the computer might be used early on for research purposes and then again towards the end to type up their final project.  However, if you are having students graph data, the computer maybe used towards the end of the project to construct graphs, after the data has been collected, organized, and analyzed.  The computer should be used as a tool to aid in teaching the lesson, so it will depend entirely on what is being taught.

3.       How do you ensure equal access for all students with only three computers?

In classrooms with one computer, it is better to have class projects versus individual or group projects.  Students can assist in gathering information, with the final result being a class project.  In classrooms with three or more computers, it is possible to do group projects, where several students work together to create a project.  Access to the computers can be supplemented with before or after school access times (Morrison-Lowther, pg. 319).

References

Morrison, G. R., ), G. R. M., & Lowther, D. L. (2010). Integrating computer technology into the classroom, skills for the 21st century. (Fourth ed.). Allyn & Bacon.

Graphic Organizers

1.                    How do you know that students understand a concept?

By using graphic organizers, teachers can easily recognize the level of understanding their students have for the content.  Graphic organizers allow the student to reflect on what they have learned and think more critically about the concept.  Proper use of the graphic organizers will lead students to learn more than fact memorization.  These visual aids assist students in mind mapping the content and processing the information on a deeper level.

2.                   How can you depict student misconceptions of key information?

Teachers can identify students’ misconceptions by having students create their own graphic organizers.  Teachers can look at these and see the students’ ideas as well as thought process about certain concepts.  If the student does not quite understand the concept, this tool will aid the teacher in detecting the misinformation and correcting it. 

3.                   How can students capture and transfer brainstorming ideas into written thought?

Students can use graphic organizers to map out their ideas and thoughts, these tools can help other students to understand each others’ ideas.  Students can use organizers to sort through their thoughts and brainstorm.  By visually seeing their ideas, students can generate more ideas from each other and build on their knowledge. 

References

Morrison, G. R., ), G. R. M., & Lowther, D. L. (2010). Integrating computer technology into the classroom, skills for the 21st century. (Fourth ed.). Allyn & Bacon.