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.