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