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.