Please reflect on the following items for reflection #4:
1 - Describe the best way you have been able to implement the computers into your classroom.
2 - I am still struggling with __________ with regard to implementing the computers into my classroom.
3 - One suggestion I have for teachers who currently do not have computers in their classroom, but hopefully will soon, is.....
The best way I have been able to implement the computers into my classroom is to have the students log into emails, go to google docs and set up their collections (folders. Once we completed that task, we then learned how to create documents, share, and place them in their folders. Log out and log back in and learn how to access items in google docs. Once I felt they had these basics down, I went to logging into the textbooks and using the textbook features. A mini activity followed that so they could practice creating a document, sharing, and answering a question relating to the book. By the next class period, we were ready to tackle an actual assignment with minimal(at times) problems. Students became very helpful to others when it came to trouble shooting and helping those that were absent or couldn't remember what to do.
ReplyDelete*The best way I have been able to implement the computers in the classroom is to assign students more creative applications of technology tools in place of traditional written work. For example: Instead of having students conjugate various sentences in French, I had them use Glogster to make public service announcement posters. This is more engaging for students, and in viewing each other's work, more productive.
ReplyDelete*I am still struggling with knowing whether various technologies will work with these computers, and finding out how to have students insert accented letters into their writing. The problem-solving with dropped connections and frozen screens has become less of a disruption, but there are other new problems popping up all the time. I really hope Google works the bugs out enough so that everything in our online textbook is functional next year, and all the other technologies that require plug-ins on these computers are accessible to us.
*One suggestion I have for teachers who currently do not have computers in their classroom, but hopefully will soon, is have a specific and direct plan in place for dealing with students being off task on the computers. If they know there will be consequences, they will be on task more, and their work will be better quality. Plus, you will be modeling and reinforcing responsible use of technology. Keep in mind room arrangement for proximity of the teacher's view of student screens, too.
1.The best way to implement the computers is as a supplement to their learning. I have done more with domo animate, prezi, voki, etc, than I have with google docs. In science, I find the elabs are great too.
ReplyDelete2 - I am still struggling with attendance and getting kids caught up with regard to implementing the computers into my classroom.Also, I want to do the webwork for math and am struggling with this a bit.
3 - One suggestion I have for teachers who currently do not have computers in their classroom, but hopefully will soon, is to get brushed up on projects they could do and on how to use google docs effectively. Because staying a little ahead of the kids is a good idea.
1. The best ways to implement the machines is to use them daily as a source of information, research and "first-five min foundation"... Warm/ups and exit quizzes.
ReplyDelete2. I am still struggling with organization of documents. Naturally, I struggle with this in every aspect of my life. :p
3. One suggestion I have for teachers who currently do not have comuters in their classroom is to brush up on google documents, TEACH students how to USE the computers.. Take a whole 2 days just on learning about the technology.. and you will save yourself weeks of time answering questions about google docs, settings and internet apprporiateness. :)
I have used the computers for a variety of things. I found a pretty good concept mapping site called simple mapper that I really liked. I have had students creating things like prezi's, searching for information, reading about current events, and communicating with one another online. I think the students have really enjoyed having them in the classroom. I have learned that the task must be appropriate enough so that students are not wandering off to other websites and things like that.
ReplyDeleteI am still struggling with management of the computers a little bit. I tend to forget to pay attention to the clock and all of the suddent there are 30 seconds left of class and we still have computers out and students do not take the time to put them away correctly.
A suggestion I have for teachers who would like computers in their classroom is...identify lessons and ways in which you will use the computers as much as possible before hand. I find myself trying to come up with things to do with the computers just to use them but I think if I had more of an idea ahead of time, I wouldn't have as much of a problem.
The best way I've found to implement the computers with the kids is as an additional resource for information and as a great collaboration tool using the Google docs.
ReplyDeleteI am struggling with finding time to research how to use the computers with the greatest effectiveness for my classes and finding time to explore and narrow down all of the great things that are out there for students to explore.
One suggestion I have for teachers is to set up your system of organization asap and set classroom expectations and model those expectations often.
1 - The best way I have been able to implement the computers into my classroom has been to have posted on my class web site a "To Do" for students as beginning bell work. Sandy suggested we try this and it works. Also, the class agenda has the learning objectives and the lesson agenda. We spend the first five minutes getting prepared for the lesson: making copies of Google docs, responding to a writing prompt, or completing a Google form.
ReplyDelete2 - I am still struggling with some distractions of social networking with regard to implementing the computers into my classroom. The goal is to have students use these networks for learning, however much more time is spent on personal networking. Another issue is computer etiquette - sometimes I have students report that their profile has been deleted.
3 - One suggestion I have for teachers who currently do not have computers in their classroom, but hopefully will soon, is to do a lot of exploring and learning about tools and how to use tools for student instruction.
The one thing I am still struggling with is the social networks and chats. This seems to becoming less of a problem for the majority, but there are those that just can't stay away.
ReplyDeleteOne suggestion I have is to practice using, set expectations, and follow through.
1. The best way to use the CR's is to utilize them for research into historical topics for background of people and places. Also, going to the TCI 'livingroom' site of political advertisements to see how presidents were 'sold' to the public.
ReplyDelete2. I'm struggling with students who 'stray' from the assignment...and want to 'play games' on line. Also, some students think they can utilize the video chat...when they are NEXT to each other. duh.
3. Other teachers need to have rules about usage and keep to the rules. Make sure they all have Google accounts. IF you use the CRs...the cursor is very touchy.
1 - The best way I have used the machines in my room is for the DINs. Students are completing daily blog entries about topics we are learning in class. It familiarizes them with a new tech tool, allows them to be more productive in a shorter period of time, and enables them to read ideas and collaborate with other students moreso than before.
ReplyDelete2 - I am still struggling with (very little) with regard to implementing the computers into my classroom. We've got a great system down in my room.
3 - One suggestion I have for teachers who currently do not have computers in their classroom, but hopefully will soon, is plan, plan, plan. Know how the machine works, explore how you would use it, teach yourself to use Google Docs, find ways to use the technology in the lessons you are already teaching, etc. Be prepared for things to not always work, but remember that it is rarely the technology's fault, but instead is the result of circumstance. Come in with a positive attitude and a willingness to be a model of curiosity and exploration. Students will follow your lead for better or worse.
1. The computers are great for expanding historical resources in the classroom. My students are no longer limited to the text, my knowledge or their previous knowledge. They can simply look up and discover new information on their own.
ReplyDelete2. I still struggle with social networking & games. I also struggle with students who have trouble following multiple-step directions. They often seem lost while other students get annoyed at having to wait for others to catch up all the time, especially when completing group activities. The computers seem to magnify the differences between those who have good problem solving skills and those who do not.
3. One suggestion I have for teachers starting to use the technology is to be flexible and open to new strategies. This whole Project 500 is a work in progress and although I'm learning a lot, unfortunately it is many times as a result of the mistakes I've made or did not foresee.
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ReplyDeleteSorry so late on this post, but I figured it was better late than never.
ReplyDelete1. The best way to implement the computers in my classroom is to use them for writing. Students plan, draft, and revise using the computers. There is no more writing, recopying, word processing (if computers are available), etc.
2 - I wouldn't say I was really "struggling" with anything; however, I am still working to find ways to reduce the amount of time some students are entertaining themselves with the "wonderful" distractions found online when they should really be working on course work.
3 - One suggestion I have for teachers who currently do not have computers in their classroom, but hopefully will soon, is talk to teachers who have had them so that you can learn from our "mistakes" :-)