Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Chapter 2 Reflections

How do I plan an integrated lesson that will work with my students?
     Using the NTeQ model helps teachers get off to a great start in creating lesson plans that are integrated and creative. In order to create an integrated lesson, a teacher must first decide what subject to teach. If it is a subject that has already been covered, than the use of computers will help. Secondly, the teacher must decide how long the lesson should be, keeping in mind the attention-span of their students. You have to decide if it will last a few days or a week. The text states that "you should plan a lesson that is appropriate for your students and your objectives or intentions" (Morrison & Lowther, 2010, p.29). Lastly, a teacher should not expect to use a computer for every objective in their lesson plan and accept that. A computer is just a tool, but the teacher is the real deal. 


Why do I need objectives to help with my planning and lesson development?
     In short, Yes. Objectives help give teachers a goal in what they want to teach. They make sure that everything the teacher is covering has been covered. Recently, districts have created objectives for teachers to use in order to make teachers' responsible for student learning. Also, objectives help teachers stay on the right path to creating a true learning environment.


How can I encourage my students to engage in the processing of information?
      Teachers can keep their students encouraged by being involved with the process themselves. An effective way to teach the students is to be a role model. When they see the teacher having fun, then they will be less reluctant and become more engaging. In addition, teachers can create other ways to process information. A simple worksheet can turn into group work, with everyone participating and helping each other. When teachers get creative with assignments, the students seem excited and more engaging with the lesson.


Do I have to use a different lesson plan when I want my students to use computers?
     Teachers do not have to use a different lesson plan when they want students to use the computer. They can include computers and other technology with the lessons they have. Regular computer features can come in handy for the students, when it is necessary. When a teacher uses the NTeQ model, they are able to blend using computers and technology in their lessons. 


What is the relationship between objectives and computer functions?
     Objectives are goals that the teacher will try to reach throughout the year. Computer functions are "tasks that computer software can assist with or perform" (Morrison & Lowther, 2010, p.33). In order or a teacher to create a successful integrated lesson, there should be a match between their objectives and at least one computer function. A way to do this would be to become the student and think about how you would achieve your objective. Think about whether  you would need to collect data, calculate, graph. Afterwards, pick one or two computer functions or the student to use.

Can you use a computer for every objective or lesson?
     Well, you CAN, but Click here for my response.. Are you really that advanced that you need a computer for everything? The answer is NO! Computers are meant to be a TOOL, not the teacher or instructor. Keep it simple and only use the computer for the objectives you need. 




References
Lowther, D., and Morrison, G., (2010). Integrating Technology into the Classroom: Skills for the 21st Century. Boston, MA. Pearson Education, Inc. USA

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