more than just fun and games strategies for integrating technology into the classroom environment
TRANSCRIPT
More than Just Fun and Games
Strategies for Integrating Technology into the
Classroom Environment
Centering Your Classroom
Giving clear instruction Kindergarten, try to have volunteer
assistance Have specific projects in place
– Use the computer lab to introduce concepts
– Use classroom computers to reinforce and complete assignments
Groupings High/Low level partners Group/classroom “experts” Unless there is a specific assignment
needing two people, try to avoid “partner” work
Have colored groups (yellow, red, blue, green, etc.)
Do a random selection and give students a choice of center (craft sticks with student names) -- choice gives students a feeling of empowerment
Time Management Go through instructions with the
entire class (even though half won’t remember within 5 minutes)
Have instructions written at the center
Sample centers– computer, listening, big book, small
book– computer, math, reading, spelling,
listening
Samples of Center Use:
– One group at a center for the day (centers listed on the board, color indicators show what center that group goes to that day)
– “Calendar” Time (beginning of the day) -- one group works on the computer during opening session
– Multiple day centers (each group goes to each center during the “round”)
Computers in classrooms simply challenge teachers to dig down and discover
their own real value
Steps in Integrating Technology into Your Classroom
Be willing to take a chance and be patient Students should have adequate training on
programs they are expected to use to accomplish their task
Have clear guidelines and expectations for students
Time with technology should be on meaningful activities
Research all resources that are intended for student use in acquiring the knowledge they need to meet the objectives of the learning experience
Software Concerns in Designing Lessons that Integrate
Technology What reference tools should I have
on hand? How much scaffolding will be
required for students to use the program effectively?
Is my software interactive?
Sample Lessons and Activities
Create a class newspaper Create a table organizing planetary
information Create a classroom book review
database Create a multimedia presentation
on PowerPoint or KidPix
Discussion
Ways we can use centers Strategies for using computers Known Needs
– Training– Network access
Other Needs