Reflections Chapter 6 - Which features of the web do i use?

Teachers in a 21st century classroom should have general knowledge and proficiency to use most Web functions. The internet can enhance lots of lessons, with the use of video content, audio files, and communication tools. The teacher is becoming a  techno savvy member of the digital world.

Reflections Chapter 6 - How to i manage students' use of the Web in my class?

The internet is a powerful tool with many uses, but it is easy to get distracted. To keep students on task while using this resource it is best to use strict rules to ensure that the tool is being used effectively. We also need to consider the practical use of the computers. If a large class only has three computers the amount of time available to each student would differ greatly compared to a class where each student had their own computer. So instead a group would assign one person to use the computer for the research, but the teacher will insure that each has the job at different intervals.

Reflections Chapter 6 - Now that I have the Web, how can I use it effectively?

You can use the internet like a massive information database. with the use of search engines like http://www.google.com/ Information can found and shared over long distances with little to no wait. This makes collaboration easy, with simple email programs users of all levels can communicate. The uses are endless, but to use it effectively we need to evaluate the information and be able to recognize credible sources. With so many ways to use the internet, it is best to define what part of the project the student is to use the internet for, this will make it more accessible and more effective.

Reflections Chapter 2 - Can you use a computer for every objective or lesson?

Is not a good idea to use the computer for every function or lesson. Sometimes a student will need to build up some skills or knowledge before the computer will have value. If a carpentry student was assigned to design a bird house on the computer and then build it. A teacher should start the lesson by showing the student how to use the tools required, then after this hands on objective is complete the computer would gain it value.

Reflections Chapter 2 - What is the relationship between objectives and computer functions?

We want to make sure there is balance between the objectives in the lesson and the use of computer functions. If  the student is assigned to analyze the first act of a play, give a response to the subject matter, and then create a timeline of events. The student would first have to use a word processor to write a response, then a PowerPoint presentation to show the sequence of events. Each task is paired with an appropriate computer function.

Reflections Chapter 2 - Do i have to use a different lesson plan when I want my students to use computers?

We do not need two different lesson plans if use the NTeQ model for the lesson. The goal is to have a balanced lesson plan that allows the computer to be integrated when desired, but also it allows for the it to be a tool of opportunity.

Reflections Chapter 2 - How can I encourage my students to engage in the processing of information?

Processing information can be as fun as you allow it to be. The best way to get students engaged is to make sure the work relates to their enviorment or their interests. So if the lesson plan was focused on plant life and the ecosystem,students might go in to a local park, then in teams would gather leaves from different locations around the park. When they get back to the classroom the groups would process and enter the data into a spreadsheet. When we combine the processing of data with fun interactive lessons students are able to find value in the tools on a practical level.

Reflections Chapter 2 - Why do i need objectives to help with my planning an lesson development?

Using objectives allows a teacher to keep track of the what we are instruction in the unit. When we start by looking at objectives we are able to include many different layers of info in to a unit. When we know where we are going it is easier to get there.

Reflections Chapter 2 - How do I plan an integrated lesson that will work with my students?

We need to keep the five elements of the NTeQ philosophy in mind when creating an integrated lesson; teacher, student, computer, lesson, and learning environment.This will help create an inquiry-based and student centered lesson. When using computers we need to consider the attention span of children, and remember that we should not teach only from the computer, use current and other tangible sources like books, newspapers, and magazines.
NTeQ provides a ten step process to designing an integrated computer lesson. I provided a link to the NTeQ Ten-Step model at the NTeQ website.



http://www.nteq.com/?p=model

Reflections Chapter 1 - Won't every student need a computer to use it as a tool?

Ideally each student would have their own computer in the 21st century classroom. However, the reality is far from ideal and funding for technology does not meet the need. This is figured in to the NTeQ modal, using group work with as few as four computers in a classroom. Limits in funding only force teachers to become more innovative with the tools they already have available.

Reflections Chapter 1 - Won't I have to spend a great deal of time to develop these units of instruction?

It does seem to be a very involved process, when we look at the NTeQ model it is not just a simple lesson plan. Through the NTeQ model we create an environment where the teacher can be may roles, Designer, Facilitator, and Classroom Manager. It's not only the teacher that has to adapt in this environment but the student. When spend the right amount of time and provide powerful tools like computers to a motivated learner, we see students assume the role of researchers.

Reflections Chapter 1 - Can i still use drill-and-practice software?

Drill-and-answer software is still a widely implemented way to use a computer in the classroom. There are may different types and uses of this software it is easy to find sites like the ones linked below selling all kinds of different software in this drill-and-answer style.

http://www.childrenssoftwareonline.com/index.html

http://www.apple.com/education/pricelists/

Reflections Chapter 1 - Must I use a inquiry-based learning approach in my classroom to use computers as a tool?

Computers are actually more commonly used with a drill-and-practice approach though educational games and software. But an Inquiry-based learning approach powered with the use of the computer, and used to create open-ended lesson plans like the NTeQ Model shows. We will create self motivated learners ready to participate in a digital world.