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.