3.1 Teachers Using Computers

How are teachers using computers?

The ways in which computers can be used in the classroom are as numerous as the kinds of computers available. Whether desktop machines, networked workstations, or handheld computers, these machines have become integral tools in teaching and learning for many teachers.

In Carina Newland’s classes at Myrtle Grove Middle School students use their networked handheld computers while seated at their desks to complete research for their classroom assignments and to access educational software. Using the wireless network to which the handhelds are connected, students can email their teacher with specific questions for immediate reply, search the Internet, and then complete and print out their activities to turn in.

Gloria Bannerman’s class at Pender Learning Center uses their computers to take virtual field trips. Students visit historical sites via the Internet and given a set amount of money to plan trips to them by car. Students were asked to map the routes the would have taken, compute gas and lodging costs, and factor in the amount to rent a car to take the trip. Grades were ultimately determined by how many dollars were left from their budgets.

Warren Beckman, sixth grade teacher at Camelot Elementary School in Lewiston, Idaho has his sixth graders who are skilled in the multimedia software, Hyperstudio, assist first graders who are just learning how to use the software. Hyperstudio can be used to create custom tutorials, give reports, and make hypermedia presentations. With the multimedia authoring skills gained starting in first grade, these students have not only mastered the use of multimedia they know enough to share it with their youngest peers.

These are just a very few of the applications possible with computers available in the classroom. Whether you have just a few machines in your room or bring your class to a computer lab with abundant hardware, the use is limited only by your own imagination.

Activity:

Search the Web for example of additional ways teachers are using computers for teaching and for learning. Find three computer-using strategies that you feel are exceptional. Summarize the strategies you found and include the website address. Be prepared to share your summary with your peers.

Want to know more? Check out these sites:

http://lessonplanz.com/Lesson_Plans/Computers_Technology

http://www.microsoft.com/education/?ID=LessonPlans

http://www.coollessons.org/coolunits.htm

http://www.mcrel.org/lesson-plans/index.asp

http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/tech.html

http://www.apple.com/education/k12/success/index.html

http://score.kings.k12.ca.us/lessons/favsite.htm

http://www.ed.gov/pubs/EdTechGuide/appc-6.html

Sources:

The Simple Joys of Technology: A Tale with Camelot (Idaho). Retrieved July 15, 2002, from http://www.education-world.com/a_tech/tech090.shtml