Thursday, May 1, 2014

Teacher, Technology, and the Classroom

What can I do to "get ready" for a lesson in which my students use computers?

To get ready for a lesson in which the students will be using computers, a teacher can make sure that all websites and computers are working and are easy for students to access and understand how to use. Teachers need to have sites bookmarked, have clear instructions for students on how to access the information they need, and how to work the computer components of the lesson. 

Where does the "computer part" come when I am teaching a lesson?

The computer part of the lesson can fit in anywhere that it makes sense within individual lessons. When describing the lesson to someone, it could be described how it is going to take place, what the students will benefit from using computers, and how the use of technology will help them reach the end goal of their lesson. 

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

For a class with only three computers, a schedule would need to be set up so that students can have equal turns using the computer. This could be per day, per week, or per center choice time. Some students might show more interest in the computer, which would need to be balanced with students who do not show as much interest, because every student needs to be able to gain 21st century technology skills. 

Graphic Organizers

How do I know that students understand a concept?

Through the use of tools such as graphic organizers, teachers can have students map out information that they need to know in various manners, which will help them determine if the student has a good understanding of the material. Graphic organizers help students process information and categorize it in to different segments based on how the organizer is set up. These help in many different types of lessons to help students dig deeper in to information.

How can you depict student misconceptions of key information?

If a student creates a graphic organizer with information that is incorrect, this will help alert the teacher that there is some misconception of the knowledge presented to them. This will then help the teacher to be able to go back and look at what the student does not understand and help them correct it.

How can students capture and transfer brainstorming ideas into written thoughts?

Different graphic organizers can help students brainstorm before an activity. They can write out hypotheses in them, what they think they will learn, and what they want to learn. They can take these in to lessons and help develop what is being taught through using what they have set up before the activity.