Amy Washburn
Billie Jo Scott
Shannon Sides
The classroom computer is not just for teachers. It is for students as well. If you want to really motivate a group of students, present them with the opportunity to use this powerful tool in the classroom. You can be sure that many of them have this technology at home. Many of them are far more comfortable with it than we are. They may even be able to teach you a few tricks. In any case the opportunity to utilize the computer is much more motivating than the traditional pencil, paper report. The author of this piece does not wish to imply that the traditional has lost its place in the classroom, however we must keep up with the new and innovative methods of instruction to keep our students interested. The computer is simply another tool for educators to employ, and the software on the computer is another resource to enhance your already effective lessons. These ideas have been compiled as a resource for the teacher that has had some computer training. They are written with the assumption that the teacher has some basic computer skills. There are ideas that include options for the more advanced user. These ideas however can be adapted to be used by a beginner as well. This document is written in a particular format. Each subject area is listed with ideas divided into specific categories under each. Each subject area will include ideas for word processing, database, spreadsheet, multimedia, and the internet. This document does not specify particular software names such as Microsoft Office '97 or HyperStudio. It is written with the idea that most teachers will have access to various software packages that will include the ability to do word processing, database, spreadsheet, multimedia, and web applications. It is important to have an instructional objective in mind when utilizing the computer. Do not get trapped into using the computer because it is there or you feel as though you have to. There are many situations in which other methods of instruction will be more effective. We must also remember that there are particular barriers to integrating technology in the classroom. If we put all of the problems you may encounter while trying to integrate technology into your curriculum in categories, they would most likely fall into one or more of three areas: time, access, or support. This includes time to use the computer, access to technology, and support when things go wrong. Following are suggestions that may help you overcome these barriers:Time:
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Integrate, integrate, integrate. Do not try to teach computer skills as a separate entity. Utilize the computer as a tool to achieve something you are already teaching in your classroom. |
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If you have a technology support person in your school …plan ahead. Make an appointment to sit down with the specialist and have your questions ready. |
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Grab a partner and try something new together. |
Access:
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Schedule lab time in the morning and/or afternoon when labs are frequently empty. |
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Schedule each student for time on the computer at some time during the week. |
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When living in the world of the one computer classroom utilize cooperative learning to have students work in pairs or teams. |
Support:
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Employ the use of peer helpers. Train small groups of students individually and have them work with others. |
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Utilize the help menus. They are there to assist you and are often easy to follow. |
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Remember that your technology specialists are there to help you. They can do other things besides fixing your computer. |