Word Splash Exercise (to inform what we understand about computer presentations) – Using at least 4 of the following words construct at least 1 paragraph that answers one or both of the EQ’s listed above. Write your paragraph in the blog under “word splash exercise”.
questions, answers, thinking, visuals, differentiated instruction, assessments, bullets, slides, lecture, engagement, literacy, behavior
Next, read and respond to one of your classmate’s paragraph on the blog. Helpful prompts, “ I agree..., I saw it different…, did you ever try…my experience with that was…
Computer presentations impact my teaching by visualizing for the students the concepts that I am teaching. The students are more engaged in the presentation especially if it is interactive. With computer presentations, I am still able to lecture by using powerpoints and have the students "see" what I am lecturing about at the same time by seeing the slides as I speak. Many times the behavior of the classroom quiets briefly during powerpoints, but with the technology in our school, sometimes the students get frustrated and lose interest when the technology fails or is not cooperative!
ReplyDeleteIn the elementary buildings, struggling readers use a computer program to improve reading rate. Younger students (in 2nd grade) are more engaged with this program, as it's the first year that they're exposed to it. Because of their engagement, they make greater gains in multiple aspects of literacy (not just reading rate). The older students, especially in grade 4, have grown bored of the program and are less involved in the entire process, which often results not only in no improvements in literacy skills but also in undesired classroom behaviors. Although there are comprehension questions in the software, the students know that they are only held responsible for improvements to reading rate, not for accuracy in answering the questions.
ReplyDeleteThis is an interactive program, with many of the elements that I would expect to find in a good computer presentation. It's effective at capturing student interest through differentiated levels and fascinating (and sometimes disturbing) nonfiction texts, but the student interest soon wanes as the format of the program never changes.
What impacts does using technology in the classroom have on teaching and learning?
ReplyDeleteBy posting EQ questions on a blog for instance hopefully, there will be an immediate active student engagement, which may manage classroom behavior. The students are aware of what is expected to be learned for that particular class. For example, students may preview vocabulary words to prepare them for the upcoming text. The questions can also be used as an anticipatory set, so the instructor can see who needs instruction in certain stills and/or who needs extensions to their thinking. Additionally, using technology is an excellent way to differentiate instruction to meet the students' individual needs through their particular learning style.
Computer presentations can have a positive impact on student learning through the use of differentiated instruction. Lectures are enhanced resulting in students being more engaged in the lessons. Computer presentations can be used to stretch student thinking and responses can be presented in many forms such as blogs, surveys, etc. Assessments do not have to be on paper. Programs and websites offer many free tools that provide alternative ways to instruct, assess, and discuss answers to questions.
ReplyDeleteA successful implementation of computer presentations in a classroom will allow for a higher level of student engagement. Through use of slides and other visuals the presentations will be more interactive and help to aid in better student behavior. Using a vairety of presentation styles and making them interactive will allow the teacher to differentiate and meet the needs of all learners.
ReplyDeleteWhat do we mean by computer presentations?
ReplyDeleteComputer presentations can be used to differentiate instruction so the many needs our students have are met. Computer presentations can also engage students in the lesson if they are actively involved with the technology being used. For example, if a powerpoint is being used, I can still lecture but also have a question/answer session. The students can be involved with each slide. Hopefully these different approaches to getting the lesson across will reduce inappropriate behaviors.
Computer presentations are a way for me to stimulate thinking and enhance the lecture format that I am most comfortable with in my classroom. By engaging the students through the use of computer presentations it has generated additional questions from the students and it has mostly enabled students to be able to visually see the concepts that we are talking about in science.
ReplyDeleteMy experience with computer presentations is in viewing slides in powerpoints that are to supplement classroom lectures (prepared by regular education teachers). What I perceive some teachers believe is that this meets the differentiated instruction necessary for students with learning disabilities. However, at times the overwhelming amount of information and slick visuals can be confusing to those students. At times, I have seen students spend way too much time going through powerpoints looking for information to complete a study guide/worksheet without being able to ask questions of the teacher or being able to learn to think or process infromation on their own. Again some teachers appear to use this as a way to use technology in the classroom to satisfy administration, but the students aren't getting what they need from the presentation.
ReplyDeleteTesting comment
ReplyDeleteEQ What impacts have computer presentations had on teaching and learning?
ReplyDeleteThey have had a tremendous impact on education. I have found that even a pretty standard power point presentation helps to enhance my traditional lectures. The visual pictures helps to “paint a picture” in the minds of my students of the era we are studying. Often times, I will use ask my students to look at a visual picture and I ask my students the following questions: What is going on in the picture? What conclusions can we make about the time period we are studying based on the pictures? What questions do you have about the picture? By forcing the students to answer these questions (either in moodle or notebook) forces my students to think more critically about what they are learning.
Computer presentations have had both positive and negative impacts on teaching and learning. When used appropriately they can enhance student engagement, inspiring students to ask new questions and seek out answers. At times the use of computer presentations has led to many educators remaining in the “sage on the stage” role. Teachers that become tethered to their PowerPoint (or similar) presentations, not only miss opportunities for differentiated instruction, but also miss the real importance of incorporating 21st Century Skills into the curriculum. In contrast, there are many great Web 2.0 applications, that when incorporated correctly can provide many wonderful opportunities for self-directed learning to take place.
ReplyDeleteWhat do we mean by computer presentation? A computer presentation can be used as a form of differentiated instruction to increase student engagement and promote high levels of thinking. Computer presentations can also encourage cooperative learning between students and between student and instructor. Computer presentations can be as simple as a survey to assess students' prior knowledge on a subject to a detailed form of assessment of material covered in the unit. I believe computer presentations work best when combined with some form of classroom lecture to ensure that students are achieving the proper goals of the classroom instruction.
ReplyDeleteAmy -
ReplyDeleteIt isn't just the students that get frustrated when the technology doesn't do what we want or expect! With the mini-laptops at Washington, the computers are less than predictable and difficult for teachers AND students to use. Student interest in the technology fades fast when not even the teacher can get the technology to work correctly!
From my exposure with using technology in the classroom, I completely accept it an important option for differentiated instruction. Technology certainly has an audience. Many students "warm-up to" and respond to approaches that are non-traditional; non-traditional, yet. Because many students feel more comfortable/accomplished, with technology, lessons are more engaging, since the students are having more "fun" and are expecting more success. This may mean less off-task time, less frustration, and, therefore, less time for misbehavior. I am hopeful to find technology options to replace or reinforce straight lecture presentations. I know from past use, that drill & practice and assessments on the computer, create a new set of obstacles to work through in order to maximize their effectiveness.
ReplyDeleteAmy G - Technology certainly can be frustrating and it seems that no matter how many times you have a test run, it still can run amuk. If you ever find a solution, let me know.
ReplyDeleteJen - I agree that the second grade students enjoy leaving the class to work with you on this reading program. I wish I could have sent a few extra students each day. The problem I see with this program is that it does very little to improve comprehension. I had no idea that as students move through the grade levels, the format and stories do not change very much. I can see how they would become less engaged and how scores would not improve. We definitely need to look into a new program.
ReplyDeleteAmy... Great point about technology failing! No matter how useful or meaningful its incorporation can be, when it fails it can cause major problems and frustrations for both students and teachers.
ReplyDeleteJason - I agree that as great as computer presentations in the classroom sound, they must be used in the proper manner. Many people feel that computer presentations just mean power points in the classroom. This is why after completing the CFF course, I wanted to follow up with this summer workshop to be sure that I have an arsenal of ideas to use during this upcoming school year when creating my classroom computer presentations.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Kevin...
ReplyDeleteI agree that powerpoints can enhance the material we are teaching our students. Even in my 4th grade class, I get some questions from kids regarding why I included a certain diagram or video in a presentation. A lot of my students respond with "that makes sense now that I see a picture."
In response to Emily and Jen...
ReplyDeleteMy own child is serviced in an LS classroom and becomes very frustrated using computers. Simply the glare of the computer screen causes him eye strain and he loses his place with the visuals. He also does not have the motor skills necessary to use a computer effectively and this is also a frustration. As a teacher, we need to keep in mind those students that computers are a hinderance more than a help! The presentations look great and the administration loves them, but they are not always effective tools for the students. With the Read Naturally program being computer based and servicing those students that are not achieving to appropriate levels, could possibly some of those students need human contact instead of the glare of the computers screen???
Thanks, Amy,
ReplyDeleteI know that every student with a learning disaibilty is different. Some have the reading disabilities, some have writing disabilities, etc. Computers and technology are beneficial for some, but can be a hinderance if there is a reading disability or visual disability. It is important that we remember all modalities and how the students in our classrooms learn best.
In response to Jason and Emily:
ReplyDeleteI agree with both of your posts. Sometimes teachers can become as Jason says “tethered to their PowerPoints” which can lead to bored students. Additionally, I see students get frustrated as Emily said because of the “overwhelming amount of information and slick visuals can be confusing” I feel the key is finding a balance between traditional teaching methods and new technology.
Reagan -
ReplyDeleteI, too, hope "computer presentation" means incorporating technology in a variety of ways. As I said, I would like to find ways to present lesson material in other fashions, but I know I need to at least incorporate technology for lesson reinforcement. Once designed, I do see student conditioning will be necessary.