Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom Chapter 9: Reflection

How can my students use multimedia for their projects?

·        The students could produce a Powerpoint presentation for what they read during a jigsaw reading

An example of student work provided by

 

 

AArmentor09. (2011). Student example powerpoint presentation. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akep5RMpc24

 

·        The students could create a weather report via a video presentation

·        They could create their own animal by manipulating pictures using Flickr, and then write a paper describing its habitat and how it survives in its environment.

What applications are available for creating a multimedia presentation?



 

By Aviosoft|Published August 1, 2013

 

·        Microsoft Powerpoint

·        Microsoft Publisher

·        Windows Movie Maker

·        Smart Notebook

·        Prezi

·        SlideShare

·        YouTube

·        Wordle

·        GoogleDocs

Should I place limits on how my students use multimedia?

               Yes, but the limits should deal specifically with educational purposes.  Students should be able to identify the goal of the presentation and focus on the content.  There should be limits on the “bells and whistles”, so as not to distract from the information presented. 

 

Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom Chapter 6: Reflection

Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom Chapter 6: Reflection

1)      Now that I have access to the Web, how can I use it effectively?

Some examples are as follows:

Search Engine	Research, locate, identify, explore, inquiry
Email	Send, receive,
Web Calls/Conferencing	Communicate
School Websites	Communicate, Share, publicize
Wikis	Inform, collaborate, communicate, share, broadcast, publicize
Blogs	Inform, present, share thoughts, publish

 

2)      How do I manage students’ use of the Web in my class?

Here are some examples of classroom technology usage:

Google Research	Potential problem: Students are unaware of the importance of keywords.  They are not able to identify authoritative sources.  Students believe any information they find.	Solution: Show the following video--->   Identify the problem before they begin their search, maybe by giving them an anchor chart or rubric.
Youtube Videos	Potential problem: Students pull up inappropriate videos.	Solution: The teacher could provide a choice of videos on a topic rather than having them search on their own.  Have the students help them identify the key components they are looking for in a video.  Also, using YouTube through sites like Gaggle allows them to search videos, because it filters out the ones that are deemed inappropriate.
Flickr usage	Potential problem: Taking pictures and manipulating or posting them without consent.	Solution: All students should participate in a cyber safety course.  They should also have parental permission for internet usage and photo usage for educational purposes.  The teacher should also send home specific notifications, if they plan to use student photos.

 

3)      Which features of the Web do I use?

Search Engine	Students could use search engines to begin researching various content.  It will connect them with websites that can provide them with content information.
Email	Students could use email to send and receive assignments from their teacher. Teachers could also use it as a way to communicate classroom needs and share various resources for students and parents.
Web Calls/Conferencing	Students could use products, like FaceTime, to collaborate with students around the world.  Students could use this tool to collaborate and/or provide information.  It would be an awesome way to create digital pals.
School Websites	Students and parents can use the school’s website to find upcoming events, school information, and link them with online resources.
Wikis	Wikis can be used to present classroom projects.  They can also be used to provide resources for students and parents to use at home.
Blogs	Blogs are a great way for students to have digital discussions.  They provide an outlet to give and receive peer feedback.

 

Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom Chapter 4: Reflection

Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom Chapter 4: Reflection

1)      There are so many types of software; how do I know which ones to include in my lessons?

Productivity Software	PowerPoint	Students could use PowerPoint to create a presentation about the content they are studying.  Fifth grade students, for example, could collaboratively present information about habitats and biomes.  These presentation could contain information and pictures.
Research Software	Google	Students could use Google in many ways.  It is currently the most used search engine by the students at my school.  Using keywords, they can begin their research from this site.
Communication Software	Email	Students can use email to submit and receive assignments.  They can also use many email sites, like gaggle.net, to store important projects.
Problem-Solving Software	Timez Attack	Students can use Timez Attack to help them visualize and memorize their multiplication tables.  It provides students with an engaging and fun way to approach math facts.
Educational Software	SuccessMaker	Students can use SuccessMaker as a differentiated tutor.  As a tutorial program, it help students progressively grow in the areas of Reading and Math.  It also provides the teacher with data on each participating student.

 

2)      I understand why students should use educational software and the internet, but why should my fourth grade student learn to use spreadsheet, database, or video editing software?

The ISTE NETS suggests that fourth graders create media-rich digital stories, use digital imaging, research & recognize digital bias, use digital tools to collect and organize data, devise digital solutions for global issues, use digital devices in science experiments, and collaboratively work on projects using digital planning. Students of today’s society are able to use these digital resources, they just may require more assistance and modeling at a fourth grade level.

3)      How can student use different types of software help improve scores on state tests?

In fourth grade, there are a variety of ELA standards.  In regards to reading informational text, the following standards apply:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.7
Interpret information presented visually, orally, or quantitatively (e.g., in charts, graphs, diagrams, time lines, animations, or interactive elements on Web pages) and explain how the information contributes to an understanding of the text in which it appears.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.8
Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.9
Integrate information from two texts on the same topic in order to write or speak about the subject knowledgeably.

 

Students could use word processing software, presentation software, graphic organizers, and digital video & audio software to demonstrate their mastery of a specific skill.  They could also use browsers and search engines to conduct inquiry-based lessons.  They could also share what they have learned through email, discussion boards, podcasts, and/or wikis.  Students could also use games and simulations to enhance their learning experiences. 

 

All Software is not designed for educational purposes, but their functions allow them to fit within the curriculum.  To incorporate the needs of the 21^st Century Learner, educators are incorporating more of these software programs to rigorously enhance student learning opportunities.

Check out my Delicious account--------> http://www.delicious.com/faulkc13

I added 15 educational websites that are valuable to my classroom and may be valuable to yours……..

• How difficult was it to find good sites?
• It was not too difficult to find sites.  Many of these sites I have used in both my classroom and the library.  For new teachers, finding websites may be a little difficult, but other teachers are usually your best resource.  Many of the sites I chose came from a colleague.  There are so many websites available, and new ones are created every day, the best way to figure out which ones work with your students and curriculum is to try them.  
• Were there many sites claiming to be educational that were only trying to sell a product?
• There are a tremendous amount of websites selling educational products, Scholastic is one for example.  Although I chose Scholastic as one of my sites, it is because our school receives StoryWorks which is a reading magazine for intermediate students.  The Scholastic website offers tools to enhance the magazine; videos, essential questions, extended lessons, lesson plans, and other resources.  It is always a great idea to purchase classroom materials that have interactive resources available to help your students and incorporate the 21st Century Learner standards.
• Did you find many sites that were not valuable as a resource?
• There were many websites that provided information that was not acceptable for students.  There were materials that were inaccurate, written at a higher level, or even "dumbed" down so that they were irrelevant.  
• What did you think of some of the Web 2.0 sites?
• Many of the Web 2.0 tools were awesome.  Some I have used and others I have just recently heard of.  There were so many sites that I felt overwhelmed.  I suggest that before using them in your classroom an educator should try using them themselves.  Many times educators only need to provide the information and the students will be able to use the technology, but it would be beneficial to have a product to model the resource for the students.
• Did you choose many of the same sites as the students you are following in Delicious?
• Many of the sites they chose, I have either used or chose myself.  As educators, or future educators, there are many websites that dominate our classrooms, because we know they work.  I love being introduced to new resources so I plan on visiting all of the websites I have never used or heard of!!
• What did you like about the 15 sites you selected?
• The sites that I chose vary in their uses, but they are all authoritative and/or work towards student achievement.  I have used each of the sites, either with colleagues or students, and each of them have been successful.  Check them out!!

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!?!