The One Computer Classroom

The One Computer

Classroom How can I plan an integrated technology lesson when I have only one computer?

Essential Question

The One Computer

Classroom

List of Topics in this Module

Organization of the classroom with one or few computers.

Extras that will extend the one computer.

Instructional strategies for one or few computers.

Hints and helps for instructors.

The One Computer

Classroom

Ideas for Classroom Organization

Create stations/labs: Use older computer with old

software and non-Internet connected computers. Look for donations from local businesses, colleges and parents.

Use other technologies, such as a digital camera, at other stations.

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The One Computer

Classroom

Ideas for Classroom Organization

Create stations/labs: Make sure there is enough space

around the computer for small group interaction.

The area should be easily supervised. The computer area should be free

from dust, magnets, direct sunlight, etc.

Students prepare materials at other stations before coming to the computer.

Find out more about Classroom Management Techniques.

The One Computer

Classroom

Ideas for Classroom Organization

Create specific roles while at the computer. Rotate at a set time. Keyboard operator Mouse operator Director/Recorder Screen reader Editor

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Investigate Student Roles in group activities.

The One Computer

Classroom

Ideas for Classroom Organization

Have students work in pairs or small groups.

Have students prepare at other stations before going to the computer.

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Classroom

Grouping Students

Analyze your classroom. What size groups do you have room for?

Can the groups change size during different activities?

Become comfortable with the fact that the groups will be at differing stages of the unit.

Communicate objectives clearly and monitor the groups’ progress constantly.

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Learn more about Working in Small Groups.

The One Computer

Classroom

Consider These Issues

Placement/Access – Where is the best place so that the most students can use the machine?

Portability – Can it change positions for different purposes?

Security – How can the equipment be protected from accident and theft?

Display – How many students can see what is happening?

The One Computer

Classroom

Ideas for Classroom Organization

Use the main computer as a Presentation station Research station

Internet research Multimedia encyclopedias Subject-specific CD-ROMs

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The One Computer

Classroom

Extras for Extending the

One Computer

Use older computers and old software to review key concepts.

Use pocket computers or PDAs to gather information.

Use portable keyboards for composition and typing practice.

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Find out what teachers have said about Portable Electronic Keyboards.

The One Computer

Classroom

Extras for Extending the

One Computer

Display to whole class by using: Projection devices Scan converters

(connects PC to TV)

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The One Computer

Classroom

Factors to Consider When Projecting

Can students easily see the TV or projection screen? Glare free location. Centrally located and theater style seating.

Will text or graphics be displayed? Change the browser font settings to a larger

size. Learn the navigation shortcuts and

eliminate the display toolbars. Is there an audio component?

Use audio cables for better sound from TV or projector.

The One Computer

Classroom

Information aboutScan Converters

Resolution won't be as good as the monitor on the TV.

Color won't be as good either. Don't evaluate converters just

by amount of flicker.

Read the articleSix Common Misconceptions about Converting Computer to Video.

The One Computer

Classroom

Whole Class Activities

Introduce software programs to the class.

Present Internet resources for class review and discussion.

Display key points of a lesson using presentation software.

Present student multimedia projects.

The One Computer

Classroom

Instructional Strategies

Use task cards to describe the work to be done at each station.

Use students with computer skills as experts.

Display a copy of basic computer hints or task specific help near the computer.

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The One Computer

Classroom

Instructional Strategies

If available, use a computer lab for whole class instruction about the applications. After the introduction, students can use the computer(s) in the classroom to create their project.

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The One Computer

Classroom

Instructional Strategies

Project-based learning works well with stations and group learning.

Constructivist practice encourages the use of technology.

Learn more about technology in project-based learning and constructivism

by following the links in Resources.

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The One Computer

Classroom

Instructional Strategies

Many teachers struggle with evaluating group work and project-based learning.

4Teachers has a variety of checklists and rubrics for Project-based Learning activities. This site will help you save time as you create: Checklists

Guidelines Rubrics And more!

The One Computer

Classroom

Changing Roles

Working with technology, especially in limited amount, may encourage different roles for the teacher and the learner. The teacher may take on the attributes of a coach or co-learner.

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Classroom

Hints

Texas recommends that one-third of technology budgets should be spent on each of the following: hardware, software and training.

Types of technology support varies. Some schools have help available part time. Some schools hire both computer support and instructional technologists.

Be aware of campus and district concerns:

The One Computer

Classroom

Internet Hints

For Internet use, try these ideas: With a live connection, bookmark

sites or create a page of links for students to visit.

Use an offline browser. These programs download entire sites. The site will then be available whether or not you have an Internet connection.

Learn navigation shortcuts.

Read reviews of Offline Browsers.

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Classroom

Hints

Start simple.Add one computer-based activity to an existing lesson.

Use the computer as an instructional tool, like the overhead and posters.

Use the computer to enhance the curriculum, not as the center of the lesson.

For more hints, see That's Not a Drinking Fountain.

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Classroom

Hints

Rely on the students as peer tutors in both content knowledge and technology skills.

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Classroom

Hints

A few DON’Ts for the one computer Don’t just let it collect dust. Don’t use it only as a teacher

machine. Don’t use the computer as a

reward for finished work. Don’t let students load software. Don’t have only games available.

The One Computer

Classroom

Where can I get more help?

Get help from: Other teachers on your campus. District or campus technology

specialists. Your regional education service

center. A list of ESC’s web sites is linked from this slide.

The Web – Put “one computer” in your favorite search engine.

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Classroom

Where should I go from here?

Get started! Try an integrated lesson soon.

Need more help? Explore the pages linked in Resources.