Social Media Day

What is today?

Today is Social Media Day.  Who would have thought, even 10 years ago, we would have such a day?

Chapter 6 Reflection

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

Using technology in the classroom is to the teacher’s advantages.  Not only does it increase student participation and real-life skills, it also increases parent involvement and encourages communication.  Different ways of using technology in the classroom could be developing a class web site where students and parents can go to get the latest information on what is happening inside the classroom.  Blogs are another way to use the Web effectively. Whether teachers talk about the latest information regarding the subject they teach or whether it is a blog about the life of a teacher, utilizing a blog is a way to keep connected with others and stay informed of the latest information.  Another way to use the Web is to utilize the many different Web 2.0 tools that can be useful in the classroom.  Many of these tools are free or either discounted for teachers.

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

The utilization of the Web is a great asset for teachers to have in their classrooms however, it can also become a teacher’s worst enemy.  Teacher’s need to teach their students first and foremost that using computers is a privilege and there are rules that must be followed.  It is the teacher’s job to remind students about the school’s internet policies and the consequences for not adhering to those policies.  Once the rules have been established, teachers need to closely monitor their students while they are on the computers.  Computer time should not be used for the purpose of “free time.”  When students are on the computers it needs to be for a specific reason and time limits need to be enforced.

Which features of the Web do I use?

Deciding which features of the Web to use will be up to each individual teacher.  Each person will have their own specific needs and interests.  What is best though is to explore all options and then decide which features are a good fit and which ones are not.

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

Chapter 2 Reflection

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

Part of a teacher’s responsibility is to integrate technology into the curriculum in order to enhance student achievement.  Using parts of the NTeQ can assist teachers in creating a lesson plan which integrates technology.  Understanding the objectives of the lesson, the proper amount of time needed to teach the lesson as well as the ability to provide assessment are all factors which teachers need to consider when planning an integrated lesson.

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

Lessons are planned around a set of goals and objectives which are identified in the curriculum. Objectives are clear and the result is observable. Objectives tell the teachers exactly what the student is expected to do to be competent.

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

In order to encourage and motivate students to engage in the processing of information, teachers need to capture their interests from the beginning.  The information that is being taught needs to be presented in such a way so that the student can relate; they need to be able to make a connection.

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

Resorting to different lesson plans is not necessary when integrating computers into current lesson plans.  Using a current lesson plan is acceptable as long as modifications have been made which show how technology is being integrated into the lesson.

What is the relationship between objectives and computer functions?

Computers can help teachers in providing support and contributing to the teaching intent.  When a teacher is able to clearly identify what his/her intent is, then deciding on how to use computers to teach becomes a clearer vision.  The objectives of a lesson will help the teacher determine specific activities that can be performed in order to support the objectives of the lesson and incorporate technology.

Can you use a computer for every objective or lesson?

Integrating computers into the curriculum and lessons allows students the opportunity to develop real-life skills and knowledge.  Computers can be used for every objective or lesson however, they should complement a teacher’s lesson and not be the lesson.  The integration of computers should serve as a guide and ultimately, they should be the means for reaching the instructional objectives in the classroom.  In order to en

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

Chapter 1 Reflection

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

Determining what learning approach to use in the classroom depends on the type of learners a teacher has.  Computers can be used as a tool in any type of learning approach.  Using computers should not dictate the learning approach a teacher takes with his/her students.

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

Using tutorials and drill-and-practice software is really up to the teacher.  He/she needs to determine if using these tools helps fit in with the overall objective.  If it is determined that using tutorials as well as drill-and-practice software can be beneficial to the student, then it would be wise for the teacher to continue to utilize these tools in his/her classroom.

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

While it can take some time to develop an integrated lesson plan, once they are established they can be utilized as needed.  Creating lesson plans is very time consuming, especially for first year teachers who probably do not have a large established database.  As time goes by, teachers will begin to develop their own lesson plans as well as “borrow” some from colleagues, websites, etc.  The more a lesson plan is used, the more a teacher will be able to tell what parts of the lesson work and which ones do not.

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

Every student should be provided with equal access to technology in school.  Even if a teacher only has one computer in the classroom, it still can be used as a tool.  With this one computer, the teacher could assign a group Internet research project instead of individual ones.  The classroom computer could also be used for word processing when working on class reports or group assignments.  As a way to help students learn how to use the computer, the teacher can take a projection device and hook it up to the classroom computer in order to model computer use for his/her students through Internet searches or using various Web 2.0 tools.

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