Teacher, Tech, and the Classroom -- Reflecting on What I Know #10

     After all of this study and reading on technology integration in the modern day classroom, I wonder what can I do to 'get ready' for a lesson in which my students use computers? One idea is making a step-by-step sheet for you and other teachers to use when planning the implementation portion of an NTeQ lesson. Though one could prepare for implementation in a variety of ways, one such list could include:

• Prepare Handouts
• technical step-by-step guides for students
• Resource guides
• Assessment tools
• Prepare Technology
• Create digital folders
• design templates
• load specialized software
• bookmark Internet sites
• Turn on computers and open applications

     One might also ask so, where does the "computer part" come when I am teaching a lesson? Once you have objectives and a problem that you want your students to solve, there are two factors to consider when planning this "computer part" of your lesson. First, ask yourself, "what activities will students be involved in while using a computer?" Think about how students will obtain the information needed to find an answer. These are the activities that revolve around the computer. Once they are prepared (before computer activity), students use the computer to find the information needed, organize the information, and/or present the information. So, the short answer is, the "computer part" of your lesson comes after background knowledge and before assessment of knowledge :)
     Many schools only have one or two computers per classroom (especially in the younger ages). This makes it a little more difficult to plan these kinds of lessons - but not impossible. Make sure that your lessons include rotating activities. Such as a before/after activity as well as a during computer use activity. Students rotate from one activity to the next in order to complete the project.

     

Graphic Organizers -- Reflecting on What I Know #9

     Graphic organizers are wonderful tools that help students go beyond memorization to a deeper understanding and learning. These organizers provide visual displays that demonstrate relationships between various concepts. You can be much more certain that students understand a concept when you assess their use of a graphic organizer. For example, if my Pre-Kindergarteners can design a concept web of "Pets" (example below), I can be more sure that the students understand what a pet is (rather than just memorizing what I've said in class).

     Graphic organizers also aid the teacher in discovering student misconceptions either from prior knowledge or from something they misconceived in the current lesson. For example, if students were making a KWL chart about U.S. presidents and several students listed "George Washington had wooden teeth" as part of "What I Know", you (the teacher) have uncovered a common misconception in students and can organize your lesson to help students discover the truth about Mr. Washington's not-wooden teeth :)
     Graphic organizers are one method of transferring student ideas into written, more-organized thoughts. One excellent app to use in this transformation process is "MindMash". Students can create all kinds of virtual graphic organizers. My personal favorite for large group brainstorming sessions is the "Drawing Mode" in which students can freely sketch their ideas. This promotes all types of learners as they draw words, pictures, 3D, 2D, etc. and then create their own graphic organizers as a group.

PhotoStory

Any PreK teachers out there ever heard of PhotoStory? Maybe I'm behind the times, but I just discovered this wonderful tool!

What is it? -- Y'all ready for this?? (adapted from wikipedia) Microsoft Photo Story is a free app that allows users to create a show and tell presentation from their digital photos! (WHAT WHAT!!) The software allows the user to add narration and background music to create a Windows Media Video movie file with transitions and pan and zoom effects. Once a photo story has been made it can be played on Windows Media Player or burned to a DVD or CD.

So, there are tons of ways to use PhotoStory in the classroom! How about an orientation/Welcome to School PhotoStory to show parents on "Meet the Teacher" night? (idea from pre-kpages.com). OR you can prepare a PhotoStory to communicate with parents techniques and activities they can try at home to enhance learning in the classroom.

Here's a good one -----> INSTRUCTIONAL TOOLS IN THE CLASSROOM. Check this out!

http://vimeo.com/469913

HOW TO GET GRANTS FOR TECHNOLOGY IN THE PRESCHOOL CLASSROOM!!!!!!!

I CANNOT tell you how EXCITED I am that I stumbled upon this blog article, "Technology Grants A pre-k pages: Inspiration for Early Education". Links and instructions include how to write grants, where to submit grants, websites that are taking grant requests, AND MORE! I am studying up on grant writing presently, and this is some GOOOOD information :)

SHARE SHARE SHARE SHARE SHARE SHARE SHARE SHARE SHARE SHARE SHARE SHARE

http://www.pre-kpages.com/technology-grants/

Great Website Arguing FOR Computers in Early Childhood Classrooms!

Readers,
I just wanted to share this wonderful article about why every Early Childhood classroom should have at least one computer. It discusses the benefits of using technology with early childhood aged children as well as how to incorporate a computer center (AWESOME!) into the classroom. Check it out! Includes references :)

http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?ArticleID=302

Integrating Software -- Reflecting on What I Know #8

     What are the benefits of using problem-solving or educational software? I can't list them all, but I can give you an example of the benefits of using one of each of these types of software in a Pre-Kindergarten classroom. A problem solving software such as "3 Great Adventures with Max" from Tivola, provides a fun, motivational way to encourage young students to use their noggins! This particular software is "a collection of exploratory software that encourages users to be observant, decisive and mindful as they try to find secret passageways and hiding places. Fun, rather than intellectual challenge, makes this program best-suited for younger children" (superkids.com). Educational software such as "Reader Rabbit", "Millie's Math House", and "Jumpstart Preschool" is a great tool for reinforcing the concepts learned in the classroom while preparing students to use technology for learning!
     How do I choose the correct software? There are some criteria for evaluating software for the classroom. The five key criteria for software evaluation are:

• Is the software effective in meeting instructional objectives?
• Does the software assess learning?
• Is the software easy to use (appropriate for your grade level)?
• Is the content accurate?
• Does the software use research-based instructional strategies?

     When I integrate problem-solving or educational software into a lesson, what changes will be needed? First, identify the basic function of the software to see whether or not it aligns with your objectives. Next, figure out how the software manipulates the data to aid in the students' process of learning. Ask, what do I need to add to this software to complete the objective? How much time should be allowed? How will the students present their results? Last, plan activities for before, during, and after computer use. The "during computer use" portion is simple -- students will use the selected software. Plan the before use to prepare students to use the software with background information or key vocabulary or skills that they may need to know to be successful. After computer use, allow students to complete activities that provide feedback on the software's effectiveness.

WWW -- Reflecting on What I Know #6

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

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

     Which features of the Web do I use?