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... part of the Web Site of George North
. . . . . Last update: August 20, 1998
. . . . . EDCI4993 Syllabus
EDCI 4993, Fall 1998 "The One Computer Classroom" Problem: In the one computer classroom, the teacher often sets up a schedule where students take turns, or have a special weekly time on the computer. This is a kind of pull-out model, where the student on the computer is excused from the work the rest of the class is doing. In setting up a schedule, teachers may give students times based on their academic strengths. For example, if Nancy is especially strong in math, math time would be a good time to schedule her Internet time. Other teachers may choose a less structured approach, where students monitor taking turns based on a first come first serve basis. And some teachers may prefer to rotate students through the computer as a one student "station", relying on a list (posted on the board, for example). So when Billy finishes, it's Greg's turn, etc. A Cooperative Learning Tool Computers are excellent collaborative tools since they accommodate a wide range of learning styles. Working with partners also helps reduce the fear of failure. Have students work in teams to revise lessons, do math or science lessons, explore Compton's, etc. Use your computer as one of the centers students rotate through. Be sure to teach/practice/review cooperative learning rules and decision making strategies before going to the computer. Assign roles so that each person has a different responsibility: keyboard person, mouser, writer/recorder, facilitator, time keeper. Rotate responsibilities carefully to insure that everyone gets keyboard time. A Presentation Tool Teachers can use their workstation to train the entire class on new piece of software. This can be tricky if your class needs constant observation, because you are locked in to the keyboard. To help solve this problem, look for easy interface programs (space bar, arrow keys, enter), not programs requiring complicated keystrokes or arcade-style accuracy. As a way to keep students involved even though they are not logged in to the system, ask them to take notes on the new software and procedures for using it. That way, when they actually do have a chance to use the software, they will have their own help sheets. Students can become the producers of knowledge and the organizers of information with open ended software like word processors, desktop publishing programs, and multimedia authoring tools. Completed projects can be shared with the whole class by using a covid monitor or LCD panel with the teacher's workstation. Teachers reflect on computers in the classroom. Assignment: It is strongly recommended that you form groups (of 3 or 4) to work on this project, but an individual with a good idea can work alone. Groups need to be formed as soon as possible. See Syllabus for due dates. The topic for your presentation is wide open, use your teacher instincts, be creative. Topics MUST be approved, see Syllabus for due date.. A two-page summary of your research on this topic is due at the beginning of class (4:30 PM) the day of the in class presentations. Please note, this is one paper per group, NOT a paper from each group member. Again, see Syllabus for due dates. On this date, a brief "group presentation" in class will happen and is limited to a 10-minute time frame. A short question and answer session will follow each presentation. Back to Top |