Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom Chapter 5: Reflection

How can I get my students to ask questions about the research they are conducting?


Using self-regulation, students are motivated to complete the tasks that are asked of them. (Morrison & Lowther, 2010) They will use certain steps and processes to achieve their goal of understanding. They will then use specific strategies for processing the new information. Think sheets are often a great way for students to develop and improve their questioning skills. By providing the students with organized thoughts and questions, they begin to form their own questions. This will eventually help them to become independent thinkers.


How can I teach my students to solve problems?


To help students with the problem-solving process, educators can provide them with multiple strategies. The NTeQ problem solving process ask students to define the problem, identify what they know about the problem, identify what they need to know about the problem, identify what data needs to be collected, decide how to manipulate the data to solve the specific problem, devise possible solutions, evaluate the solutions, choose the best solution, and finally, present the findings. (Morrison & Lowther, 2010)


I’ve never used an inquiry-based approach, much less computers-so how is a teacher supposed to do both of these at one time?




Incorporating inquiry-based learning and computers into the classroom should not be as difficult as many educators believe. Although it may seem overwhelming to overhaul a previously written lesson plan, the benefits will be obvious. There is definitely more planning involved, but many of the characteristics will transfer from one lesson to another. Once students have become accustomed to the inquiry based problem solving processes and the functions of the technology, the only thing they will need is the problem to solve. The influences of technology over problem solving and inquiry-based projects are the organization, creativity, and collaboration it provides for the learner.


Morrison, G. R., Lowther, D. L. (2010). Integrating computer technology into ______the classroom. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Merrill.

Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom Chapter 2: Reflection

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

As a teacher, the needs of the students and the curriculum come first. The objectives of the lesson are developed first and then the technology is implemented in. It is often better to take a previously written lesson plan and then change it to implement the technology, rather than creating one from scratch. (Morrison & Lowther, 2010)


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


            Objectives define what the learner will know once they complete the lesson. The objectives cover content, as well as included technology. Although the objectives are usually written for the educator, their approach to teaching the objective is independent.


The objectives are beneficial in a way that allows students of the same grade level to learn the same information. Although these students may not be learning it the same way, they are still working towards mastery of the objective. The objectives provide educators with a norm, but allow them to adapt different skills and strategies to their teaching. 


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





Encouraging all students to engage in the learning process has continually been a struggle in education. In today’s modern society, there are many ways to encourage students through the use of technology. To encourage learning, there are a variety of steps and procedures that need to be put in place when students are independently processing information.


As educators, we should first have students help identify the problem. We need to make sure that the problem meets our objectives; but that the problem is “real” to the students and that they understand it. We must also make them aware of the lesson goal and the available resources, as well as provide them with certain responsibilities and ownership. (Morrison & Lowther, 2010) 



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

        


           To integrate computers or other forms of technology into the lesson plan, there does not need to be a separate lesson plan. By incorporating the NTeQ model, educators can take the objectives from a previous lesson plan and add technology objectives.


After the computer objectives and the research methods have been established within the lesson plan, the activities will need to be manipulated. There will need to be activities before, during, and after, computer usage added to the plans. (Morrison & Lowther, 2010) Also, any supporting activities may need to be added to the original plan.


What is the relationship between objectives and computer functions?
         


            The relationship of computer functions and objectives correlates to what tasks the student needs to perform. An objective may only require one computer function, while others require multiple functions. (Morrison & Lowther, 2010) Particular functions require particular computer programs. The functions will help the students work towards their assignment goal, as well as master their objective.


Can you use a computer for every objective or lesson?
         


             Computers have many functions and can be used in a multitude of ways, but they are not appropriate for every situation. Some objectives require discussions, which although they can be done on the computer through blogs and other social media, face to face is usually the best scenario in the classroom environment. Often times there are limited resources in a classroom, so having whole lessons that solely use technology activities would not suit these situations. (Morrison & Lowther, 2010) There are so many great and wonderful resources available for students to use inside and outside of the classroom, teachers need to take advantage of these resources; however actual student and group intereaction should not be neglected. Educators are expected to teach the whole student and provide a well-rounded education.


Morrison, G. R., Lowther, D. L. (2010). Integrating computer technology into the classroom. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Merrill.

Check out this Classroom!!

Hello, Everyone!!

Just a quick video of an iPad-Centered classroom.  Let me know what you think!?!