TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM Shalene Herron, Dave Carter & Donna Duriez & Donna Duriez © 2007 Creating Classroom Connections

What’s your comfort level? 1.Song 1 2.Song 2 3.Song 3 4.Song 4

WHY USE TECHNOLOGY?

Tierney et al (2000) reports that students who are exposed to technology as a tool for exploration, "became independent and collaborative problem-solvers, communicators, record-keepers, and learners with the computers."

According to Don Tapscott, the author of Growing Up Digital: The Rise of the Net Generation (McGraw-Hill), "The Internet and new technology is the most powerful tool for learning ever. Children who have access to this communications medium will learn more effectively than those who don't," he says. "When kids are online, they're reading, analyzing, evaluating, comparing their thoughts, telling their stories, collaborating, and innovating. The Web is becoming the repository of all recorded knowledge."

Engaging & motivating Allow for individualized instruction Self-correcting, give instant feedback Instant assessment Provide a means for balanced instruction Align with societal expectations Computers are…

How can technology be used to transform teaching and learning. Under certain conditions, technology can stimulate and facilitate the introduction of specific curriculum related objectives, project-based activities, student and teacher collaboration, and cross-disciplinary work.

Instructional Approaches to Technology (learning both with and about computers) With: technology as an augmentation to learning methods, or a ‘tool' used to facilitate learning across the curriculum. About: technology as an objective of instruction, or an 'end' or goal to which learning is directed.

In an early elementary setting learning with and about technology are typically combined with the focus on curriculum objectives while learning about technology can be a secondary or incidental objective.

Centres are a practical and engaging method to incorporate technology into a classroom setting and learn with computers!

Learning centres help to create a rich and varied learning environment in the classroom Centres activities allow for individualized instruction Centres offer an opportunity to address different learning styles (i.e. Multiple Intelligences) From a learning management perspective, they can provide a 'convenient' means to use a computer in the classroom.

To optimize the learning potential for this form of learning, teachers should structure activities so that there is a connection between activities and student needs. Routines and schedules should be developed.

Centres - How do they work?

Journaling Technology Listening Tutorial

Centre Tips Train your students Use audio & visual cues Consider learning styles & differences Imbed in classroom routines

Centre Activity

The focus on learning about technology commonly includes the following and instructional delivery is often in a lab setting: keyboarding skill development (PAWS) basic computer operation and care of files and media basic concepts and terminology (the core of 'technological literacy')

use of common tool-type computer applications: word processing, spreadsheets, data base and graphics programs use of such wide-area networking capabilities as and the Internet learning the basics of programs such as Pearson Math E-tools or Google Earth developing an awareness of the social impact of technological change

Lab Activities Teacher web pages Webquests Peer Partner activities ie. K’s and 6’s Interactive sites Use of supports such as Net Op

Resources

How do I make technology in the classroom a success?  Be well prepared  Start Modestly  Use a centres approach  Become familiar with the technology  Train your students  Take risks and…  Don’t forget to teach!

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