Unit 1 - Reflecting on What I Know

Chapter 1

Must I use an inquiry-based learning approach in my classroom to use computers as a tool?

Teachers should use a learning approach in their classroom that works for them. According to Morrison and Lowther (2010), when students use computers to retrieve, evaluate, and manipulate real-world information to solve meaningful problems, they not only increase their 21^st-century skills, but also gain a deeper understanding of core content.  The learning approach that I used id one that will keep the children interested in the lesson and the only way to determine that is in an open-ended environment. This way the teacher can see what is being learned from the students.

Can I still use tutorials and drill-and-practice software?

Tutorials and drill-and-practice software are used as tools to provide practices and feedback but doesn’t allow the teacher to track progress over time as the integrated learning systems. I feel that using them in the classroom can be a tool for the student to practice and get feedback. I think being able to track your students from beginning to end is very beneficial.

Won’t I have to spend a great deal of time to develop these units of instructions?

As teachers we spend a great deal of time on lesson plans already. Using integrated computer lesson may make it easier and faster.  In integrated lesson plans teachers can expand on the topic or subject using the same lesson plan.

Won’t every student need a computer to use it as a tool?

Not every student will have a computer even though is would be great if that happens. This goes back to the one computer classroom and how effectively it can work with the teacher and the students. If there are not enough computers teachers should allow the children to work together in groups.

Morrison, G.R., Lowther D. L., (2010).  Integrating computer technology into the classroom: skills for the 21^st century. Pearson Education, Inc, 4^th ed.

Chapter 2

How do I plan an integrated lesson plan that will work with my students?

As a preschool teacher I use the Creative Curriculum to plan an integrated lesson plan. The children decide on a theme or topic and generate questions of what they want to know. The information is then used to create an integrated lesson plan that will work for your students because they had input on what is being learned.

Why do I need objectives to help with my planning and lesson development?

The lesson plan starts with specifying your objectives which should cover all the instructions for the unit or lesson, not just the information related to the computer components (Morrison & Lowther, 2010).  The objectives that I used are outlined in the Creative Curriculum through GOLDS. There are thirty five objectives are divided into the following domains: social/emotional, physical, mathematics, cognitive, language, literacy, science and technology, social studies, and the arts.  Each week the objectives are used and the students are observed in the domains for assessments.

How can I encourage my students to engage in the process of information?

The students are encourages to engage in the process of information through group discussion and voting. The students feel they have something to do with what they are learning. In group the unit that has the most votes will be chosen for the lesson plan for the following week and second choice will be the next week. Sometimes depending on the unit it may extend for more weeks as long as the interest of the students is there.

Do I have to use a different lesson plans when I want my students to use computers?

Lesson plans should be done so that the objectives can be used with or without computers. When completing your lesson plan know what you want to be used with computers and what you want used with other resources.

What is the relationship between objectives and computer functions?

The relationship between objectives and computer functions depends on what you are doing. An example would be the objectives gives you the information to input and from the information the computer takes it and generates a graph or chart.

Can you use a computer for every objective or lesson?

The computer should be used for some objective or lesson but not all. There should be other resources for students to use for each objective as well. Some students may need hand on and that should be available to them beyond the use of computers.

Chapter 6

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

Teachers can use the Web as content management of their classroom, connecting with the parents and the community, and professional development (Morrison & Lowther, 2010).

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

According to Morrison and Lowther (2010),  teachers can manage their students usage of the Web by placing the teacher's desk in the back of the class and putting the chairs and tables in a U shape so you can walk around to observe the students.

Which features of the Web do I use?

The most popular features that I use on the Web is the search engines. They are helpful to find ideas for lesson plans, classroom activities,  and any information about the unit or subject.

 

Morrison, G.R., Lowther D. L., (2010).  Integrating computer technology into the classroom: skills for the 21^st century. Pearson Education, Inc, 4^th ed.

Morrison, G.R., Lowther D. L., (2010).  Integrating computer technology into the classroom: skills for the 21^st century. Pearson Education, Inc, 4^th ed.