Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom Chapter 11: Reflection

What are the benefits of using problem-solving or educational software?

Problem-solving Software Example and How to use

TimezAttack TimezAttack is a program used to increase student performance with multiplication tables.  This program provides simulations where students improve their multiplication table performance by defeating ogres.  To defeat the ogres, students must collect snails (that actually aid in providing the answer) and use these snails to break walls and identify the patterns in multiplication.  It allows them to work at their own pace, but provides them with a competitive race with their peers, in regards to levels of completion. TimezAttack can be downloaded from http://www.bigbrainz.com/online/select_school.php

Educational Software Example and How to use

SuccessMaker Successmaker uses a variety of multimedia actions to teach students new skills and reinforce basic skills.  It provides mastery-practice, assessments, and provides feedback to both the students and teachers.  Students can be set at their own level and from there they will progressively improve.  By working to increase student performance in both math and reading, Successmaker also identifies progress data.  This helps teachers to see what progress the students are making and provides them with suggestions about the amount of time the students need on the program to reach their goal. Successmaker can be purchased from http://www.pearsonschool.com/index.cfm?locator=PSZyM6&elementType=mergedNavGroup&navGroupName=Features%20and%20Benefits&PMDbProgramID=55601

How do I choose the correct software?

 

               I feel as though the Educational Software Preview Guide is best suited for my classroom.  It provides a search tool that enables users to filter software features that are important.  Users are able to give a title or publisher, but can also identify software by subject, grade level, mode, and hardware.  This will allow users to find software based on their needs rather than just providing various reviews.  Although the other sites did the latter, they are still great at providing information on various software programs.

When I integrate problem-solving or educational software into a lesson, what changes will be needed?

Problem-solving Software Implementation Example

TimezAttack Computer Functions:  Providing Practice and Feedback Research and Analysis: Whole Program progress (Multiplication) Results Presentation: Automatic Student Feedback and Correction (Multiple tries)(Repeat for mastery) Activities Before Computer Use: Locate program and identify user name and password Activities During Computer Use: How many computers being used? Activities After Computer Use: Evaluation/Reflection of progress made

Educational Software Implementation Example

SuccessMaker Computer Functions: Providing Practice and Feedback Research and Analysis: Specific reading or math skills reviewed, and provide extra lessons for those objectives with decreased improvement Results Presentation: Final percentage for students and objective breakdown for teachers Activities Before Computer Use: Locate program and identify user name and password Activities During Computer Use: How many computers being used? Activities After Computer Use: Evaluation/Reflection of progress made

For a Laugh......



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.