Reflecting on what I know- Chapter 2

How do I plan an integrated lesson that will work with my students?
 First thing first, you need to look at if you will be taking an old lesson plan and updated it to include computer skills or if you will be starting from starch. It may be easier to just start a new lesson plan instead of trying to include something in a plan you already use. Our textbook, integrating computer technology into the classroom, explains that the teacher should look at the attention span of the students and know that you should not expect to teach all your objectives with a computer. We as teaches should be integrating technology into our classroom but we should be aware that everything we do will not be able to be integrated. Sometimes you just need the “old fashion” pencil and paper. We can take a math objective and use an iPad to help further student understand by using an app. For language arts our students can research using the internet and Microsoft products to make notes. There are many ways to integrate technology into the classroom; teachers just need to find what works for them!

 Why do I need objective to help with my planning and lesson development? 
Objectives are a great starting point for teachers who are unsure of how to incorporate technology in their classroom. Objective also give teachers a clear expectation of where there students need to be and where the will end the year at. Could you image trying to teach without objectives! Each year students are building on their knowledge from the previous year. Objectives help teachers follow the path to computer knowledge.

 How can I encourage my students to engage in the processing of information? 
You can let the students browse the internet, search a CD, use iPads, databases, etc. For math students can use spreadsheets to help them calculate figures. For social studies, students can research and use a checklist to help guide their findings.

 Do I need to use a different lesson plan when I want my students to use computers?
 If you are using the NTeQ lesson plan then no. This lesson plan incorporates technology into the plan in easy steps. Our text book even explains that you can “adapt many of their existing units to an integrated lesson by adding or rethinking the problem and objectives. One of the best sources of ideas for lessons is your old lesson plans and textbooks" (Morrison and Lowther ). This will help save the teacher time, and we all know we can always use time!

 What is the relationship between objectives and computer functions? 
 CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.K.2 Demonstrate understanding of spoken words, syllables, and sounds (phonemes). This is a ELA standard for kindergarten. This objective is what the students are expected to learn. A computer function is a tool that students can use to meet that objective. For this objective student could use a computer program that helps students listen to phonemes. They could also use the internet and use internet based web resources to review what they did the lesson.

 Can you use a computer for every objective or lesson? 
It is not the best idea to use a computer for every lesson or objective. When this happens the computer can replace the teacher in teaching our students. Teachers should be integrating computers into the lesson but never should it be the sole educator of the students.

 Morrison, G. Lowther, D. Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom: skills for the 21st century. Pearson Education. 2010.

Chapter 3 Reflecting what I know

Why is it important to learn about different technology tools when they are constantly changing? 
Technology is constantly changing and I know that more than anybody by working in the computer lab! It is very important to stay up to date on technology because we are turning into a technology filled world. Almost everything you do in schools are done through technology. Long gone are the days of recording grades in a grade book, you now fill out grades on power school! Students have access to iPads, computers, laptops, smart boards, document cameras, and the list could still go on! Technology is always improving if you learn how to use one program by the time the next upgrade installment comes out you will have even better understanding of that piece of technology.

Most desktop computers do the same thing as mobile devices, so why do teachers need to use both?
Most teachers are not going to sit at a computer for hours trying research information. With the use of a mobile device you will be able to move around and continue to research. iPads in the classrooms are becoming more popular and a lot of people questioned why we were spending the money on portable technology. Being able to use a mobile device helps the teacher walk around and see what each student is doing. Mobile devices tend to last longer and have less virus than desktop computers. Teachers still need to use desktops when they are able to stay in one location most desktops are able to hold more stored documents than a mobile device making a desktop important when saving large files.

 How can the cost of digital devices be justifies when the functions they perform are often limited in number and scope? Even if a device is limited it still needed for students to succeed in school. Some might say a printer has a limited amount of things it can do but image a school without a printer! If a teacher can pinpoint a way he or she will use that device it is important to help supply our teachers with the tools they need to help our schools grow!

Chapter 1 Reflecting What I know

Must I use a inquiry-based learning approach in my classroom to use computers as a tool?
 You do not need to use inquiry-based learning to use computers in the classroom. Working in a computer lab I am able to allow the students to be their own facilitators, which allows them to pick a website based on the topic for that day. I feel that problem-based learning works well for integrating computers into the classroom because they have a little more freedom instead of me providing all the information. Allowing students a little freedom allow for them to stay on topic and they are fully involved with the program they chose.

 Can I still use tutorials and drill-and-practice software?
 Repetition is a great for students because doing things multiple times over really helps the students practice what they are learning. A tutorials should not be used in place of regular classroom instruction time but it can be used as a review and as independent work. Being exposed to the unit after classroom instruction can be very helpful to the students who are afraid to speak up in class.

Won't I have to spend a great deal of time to develop these units of instruction?
 It does take time to develop a integrated computer lesson, but all lesson planning takes time. I think if you learn to start interrogating technology early you will become a pro at adding technology in your classroom! Working at a school here for Cumberland County schools, we are exposed to many different types of resources to help us plan effectively for technology.

Won't every student need a computer to use it as a tool?
 Most schools have a computer lab in which a teacher can use as a resource once a week. The Cumberland County School system is actually moving towards having computers on wheels (COW) to cart to every class whenever they need them. This allows for all of the students to have access to the computer. If your class only has one computer you could make it a center and have students rotate for drill and practice work. Not every students need access at the same time to incorporate technology into a lesson.