Integrating Technology in the Classroom Part One introduced lessons involving the use of technology such as Internet Workshop and Internet Projects

     Integrating Technology in the Classroom Part One introduced lessons involving the use of technology such as Internet Workshop and Internet Projects. Being a student of technology as well as an educator, I was excited to bring this new dimension of learning to my students. Using lesson developed in Week Two and Week Four of this course I taught a control group with teacher led lesson and another group using technology. I used this as a study to reflect on better practice in the classroom (Henely, R. 2007).
     There were a few hurdles to this particular lesson. Just as Mike Smith found, it is difficult for teachers to give up the power of instruction to the students (Paulis, N, 2000). More interesting to me was the difficulty that some of the students had becoming independent learners. Seeing the students struggle with this new identity made me reflect on how I could make the transition easier.
     In the past, having the students experience the process of developing a lesson has provided a comfort zone for the students. Whether the students are developing a PowerPoint Presentation, a Jeopardy Board, or a Lesson Cube, taking apart the process of educating simplifies the sometimes intimidating aspect of new material. Possibly allowing the students to create or experience a technology lesson as a group will provide background and a solid foundation for their individual experiences. This same strategy has worked in my own learning and I am sure that it will be beneficial to the students.

References
Henely, R. (2000). Technology Tools in the classroom and student achievement. Unpublished collaborative action research project, Walden University.

Paulus Nicol, M. (2000). Changing habits of a lifetime [Electronic version]. ENC Focus, 7(1), 20–23.
Date Modified: 27 Jun 07    7:24 AM MST

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Tracy Malone

27 Jun 07 4:58 PM MST

Jarrett,
I saw parallels in that course and the last one.....change is hard especially on teachers. We feel we find something that works for us and we are VERY reluctant to let it go...even if it isn't really helping our students.....another thing that is hard....is many times administration/district/federal mandates limit our ability to try new things or for that matter learn them ourselves.....
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Kathleen Warren

28 Jun 07 7:07 AM MST

Shelley,
I noticed a similar problem with the learners not taking initiative. We were venturing into the literacy world of "Lit Circles", which are a type of "Book Club" group in the classroom. Each student had a specific job, and I introduced the responsibilities of each of these jobs to the class. When it came time to let them begin, I found many of the students just sat there, without adding anything to the group dynamics. I solved the problem by actually modeling a "Lit Circle" session with several colleagues of mine. That helped, but there were still a few children who were just not used to having to "take the ball and run with it" on their own. Hopefully, with educators providing more of these types of experiences in the classrooms, all of the students will become more comfortable with the format.
Kathy
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Rochelle Henely

29 Jun 07 8:08 PM MST

Kathy,

Even with our best efforts, this form of interaction will not work with all the students. I can picture some faces now that all throughout group work were awkward and silent. These are the students that I would like to help "take the ball and run with it".

Still trying,
Shelley
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Herbert Zalneraitis

28 Jun 07 1:02 PM MST

Shelley and Kathy-
It is so interesting to listen to your experiences in New Jersey.
To have the opportunity to collaborate, being inventive, experiencing synergy whether it is modelling or encouraging initiative among your colleagues and students...your descriptions are wonderful!!
-Skip
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Kathleen Warren

29 Jun 07 12:12 PM MST

Skip,
Thank you! I feel truly blessed to work in a school that prides itself on being like a family. I can always count on someone to lend a hand when I need it.
Kathy
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Marisol Marcin

29 Jun 07 9:58 PM MST

Shelley
I think that it will always be scary to give away your power. As teachers, parents, supervisors or any other area you can think of, individuals try not to share all of their knowledge to make sure they are needed. While in many areas this is a safe way to ensure job stability; in education, it actually gives you more control to lose your power. By letting students become independent learners, we free our instructional time to offer help to the students who need extra-help. I have experienced both, the fear and the reward of loosing power, and I must agree with Nikki: “the fear of change was worse than the change itself”
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