One-Computer Classroom

1) How will you ensure that all students have an opportunity to use the computer?
– To ensure that all my students have an opportunity, I would let everyone take turns using the computer. Although this may sound like a very inefficient method, what I was thinking is that I could open a word document and have 25 math word problems on there. Each student will be assigned a word problem and so when the student who was assigned problem 1 finishes the problem, the student who was assigned problem 2 would go on the computer. This process will go on until the student who was assigned problem 25 is finished. Once the document is complete, it will be printed out and we could all go over the problems as a class to see if there are any calculation errors.

1a)How will you manage the taking of turns? (be very specific, would you have groups, Popsicle sticks??)

– I would have Popsicle sticks. So for the first student that is called out with the popsicle stick, he/she will be assigned to problem 1. For the second student that is called out, will be assigned problem 2, and so on.

2) Think of a topic you would like to teach in class and identify three ways you could have students use computers to study this topic?—Please provide detailed information.

A possible topic I would like to teach may be on solving linear equations. One way I could have students to study this topic is with my method with the one-computer classroom that was previously explained above. I could have a problem posted on a word document. And then one by one, each student will complete the steps to solving a system of linear equations with a timer set for 30 seconds for each student.

Another way I could have students use computers is to check their answers. So once they found the answer to the system of linear equations, they could graph the equations on a graphing site on the computer, and see if their answer corresponds to the computer’s answer.

A third way I could have students use computers is by using something like Kahoot. I could post a system of linear equations problem and then students will work out the problems by hand and then choose the answer that is presented on the Kahoot screen. If none of the answers on Kahoot match the student’s answer, then the student knows that he/she did a mistake.

3) The computer can also be a tool for instruction (by you). How might you use the computer as an instructional tool?

I could use the computer as an instructional tool by creating my own lesson plan with PowerPoint slides and then connecting the computer to a TV/projector graphic to display the instructional PowerPoint slides at a larger screen for everyone to see and follow along.

4) In what ways may use the computer to assist you with your job of being a teacher, beyond what you’ve answered above?

I could use the computer to create things like graphic organizers, direction sheets, and study guides for students. I could also use the computer to communicate with professionals and subject experts via email.