Chapter 6 Reflections

Now that I have access to the Web, how can I use it effectively?

The web can be used effectively through source of information, collaboration, communication, and the management of the content (Morrison, G.R. & Lowther, D. L., 2010).  Access to the web creates a huge search engine for teachers and students, the information provided can give students and teachers discussions on topics and get students engaged in the lesson plan.  Students and teachers can collaborate through Google Docs in creating presentations, stories, and other activities (Morrison, G.R. & Lowther, D. L., 2010).  The communication aspect is helpful to teachers, students, and it is a great way to include parent involvement.  Many teachers and schools have websites set up that students and parents can get important information off   of.  Parents can stay up to date on assignments, notes, report cards, and many other things.  Parents and teachers can correspond through emails and conference chats.  In today's society many parents are in the workforce to just make ends meet.  This method of communication gives them a alternative to being able to be involved during school hours.  They can keep their jobs while staying involved with the child's progress in school.  Of course teachers have to manage the content of the web.  Students have to have boundaries and it is important for teachers to keep class webpages up to date.

How do I manage students' use of the Web in my class?

Managing content is a important aspect of the lessons using the computers.  The web can be a great tool but it can also be used as a weapon if students do not know the proper usage.  Teachers need to set guidelines of proper computer usages, rules, consequences of disobeying rules, access, and promote parent involvement (Morrison, G.R. & Lowther, D. L., 2010).   In today's schools many schools have computer internet policies such as staying away from social networks, inappropriate content, school wide policies, and the concept of copyright and plagurism.  Students need to be taught what this is and how to avoid things such as this in the classroom setting or academic setting.

Which features of the Web do I use?

Teachers determine what features of the web to use for lessons.  They can use tools such as information sources such as online journals, magazines, and newspaper articles.  Webpages can be a great tool when researching a topic.  Search engines help find the information sources for the subject area.  The sharing of documents is a great tool for teachers and students to work together on assignments or projects.  Teachers have to use the features of the web that will benefit the students in a positive academic manner.

Morrison, G.R. & Lowther, D.L.  Intergrating Computer Technology into the Classroom:  Skills for the 21st Century.  Pearson:  Boston, 2010).

Chapter 2 Reflections

How do I plan an integrated lesson that will work with my students?

Using components of the NTeQ will help teachers create a integrated lesson plan.  Teachers have to prepare to teach integrated lesson plans by figuring out the lenght of time needed for the lesson, the usage of the computer, figuring out and creating the objectives of the lesson, and using problem solving methods to determine the assessment and followup of the lesson plan (Morrison, G.R., & Lowther, D.L., 2010).

Why do I need objectives to help with my planning and lesson development?

Objectives help the teacher by allowing them to layout the goals of the lesson and goals they have for their students.  Having objectives helps making planning and development of the lesson plan easier.  When the teacher figures out the objectives they discover how to plan the lesson and the usage of sources for the lesson plan to be successful.  However, the standard objectives of the subject area is determined by the state through plans such as the Standard Course of Study, 21st Century, and other pedalogies adopted by state and federal governments in education.

How can I encourage my students to engage in the processing of information?

The computer offers lots of ways and resources for students to engage in the processing of information.  Once students see that their are many resources available their interest grows.  One way to help students engage in processing info is by allowing them to pick some of the search topics.  Another way is by getting them to determine what websites are factual or opinionated.  The teacher must teach them about the information in order for them to learn to process it.

Do I have to use a different lesson plan when I want my students to use computers?

This question can have a yes and no answer depending on many factors.  Many teachers create lesson plans and use them other years.  It also depends on the objectives of the lesson plan.  Teachers have to be sure that all lesson plans play a key role in the standard course of study and accomplishing those goals and guidelines set by the state.  So, it is important for the teacher to make sure the lesson plan is thorough in the objectives.

What is the relationship between objectives and computer functions?

In order to have a successful integrated lesson the objectives must form a relationship with some of the computer functions.  One example of this is to have students do a presentation on mammals using the computer but the function would be putting that assignment into a powerpoint presentation.  However you can leave other options for the functions of this assignment available to students.  They could be given the choice of a power point presentation or creating a brochure on mammals.  Objectives and computer functions go hand in hand in integrated lessons.

Can you use a computer for every objective or lesson?

Teachers do not have enough time to create all of their lesson plans surrounding the use of a computer.  Some objectives set by the standard course of study do not leave room for the use of a computer on mastering some skills.  Teachers also do not have the resources or means to have computers accessible to their students everyday in most school systems.  A teacher realizes that not all students may learn the best with this method and mixing things up keeps students interest.

Morrison, G. R. & Lowther, D.L.  Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom:  Skills for the 21st Century.  Pearson: Boston, 2010).

Chapter 1 Reflections

Must I use a inquiry-based learning approach in my classroom to use computers as a tool?

Education today has many advances in technology to help teachers promote learning in the classroom.  The advantage of using computers in the class room is that it leaves the doorway open for all learning approaches such as problem solving and inquiry based learning.  It is important for the teacher to know the students and the best learning approaches in the classroom with the use of computers.  Teachers can use computers as a valuable tool in education.

Can I still use tutorials and drill-and practice software?

Tutorials and drill-and-practice software can be helpful in the classroom to teachers if it serves the objective of what the teacher is wanting the students to accomplish.  Many of these software programs can be beneficial to the learning of students in the classroom.  Many school districts have adopted software programs to help improve education such as Accelerated Reader and Success Builder that focuses on reading and math skills.  Teachers have to take the time to examine these software programs to see if they will be helpful.  It is a good idea to have more than one teacher to choose the software for students because the more approaches the software is seen in the easier it is to decide what is beneficial.

Won't I have to spend a great deal of time to develop these units of instruction?

As a teacher it will take time to create any lesson plan.  It will take some extra time especially in the first year to incorporate units of instruction with the computer as a tool.  Many teachers are willing to work together to find the best lesson plans for the subjects or grade they teach.  This creates a sharing and feedback atmosphere for teacher resources and ideas.  Teachers use problem solving in the creation and implemation of lesson plans through trial and error.  By attempting these lesson plans teachers leave room to improve or change the instruction to reach the objectives.  The teachers can then decide what works and what doesn't.

Won't every student need a computer to use it as a tool?

Even though technology is advancing in education many schools have not reached all students having their own computer in the classroom or at home.  Many school systems are lacking these because of budget cuts on the local, state, and federal government levels.  Many schools do provide one to four computers in the classroom or computer lab access in the school.  However, the entire school shares this one lab so it is not accessible to one teacher all of the time.  The few computers in the classroom does allow teachers to use as a tool.  The teacher can create a schedule of student usage.