Thursday, February 11, 2010

One Computer Classroom/ Multicomputer Classroom

How will you use this software in your own classroom? Why?

19 comments:

  1. I would choose to use a Multicomputer classroom. I think that leads to more options with group work, individual work, and instruction. I also like that students would be able to work at different rates. It is important to reach different learning styles.

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  2. I would personally choose to use a multi-computer classroom, if I were working with students K-12. I believe this would be most effective because more students would be able to do the activity at once, which would make learning more efficient. Also, students who work at different paces would be allowed to work and not feel like they were being rushed.

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  3. I would use Accelerated Reader in my multi-computer classroom. By introducing the Accelerated Reader at the beginning of the year and establishing rules and guidelines, the AR program can be an effective supplemental program to regular reading groups. In a multi-computer classroom, during reading groups one group would be working with me, one group would be reading books and taking the AR tests for them and the other group can be doing comprehension work at their seats. This helps organize the classroom and will ensure that everyone has something to be working on and has a place. When placing students in the group I would create the groups based on the number of computers I have in the classroom. This ensures that the students will all be able to be taking tests at the same time if they need to be. I think AR is a wonderful program if it is utilized correctly by both the students and the teacher. AR is not a time filler for teachers or busy work for students. It is a tool that will help enhance students reading skills, comprehension level, as well as becoming more familiar with using computers and software.

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  4. In my multi-computer classroom I use AR. I like this setting because students can use the computers whenever they are ready to take an AR test. When students read books indvidually they will be ready to take the tests at different times. However, if we read a book as a group, multiple students can take the test at the same time on the multiple computers. This will allow the students to work at their own pace without feeling the need to hurry due to other students waiting for the computer being used. This is currently how my classroom is set up. I like it because they students know the procedure and what is expected of them. They know that if a computer is open, they can sign on and take the appropriate AR test. Their scores automatically print out and they know where in the classroom that printed paper belongs. It is quick and convenient for all of us.

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  5. In my multi-computer classroom, I would use Accelerated Reader. Accelerated Reader has many great qualities if one knows how to use and implement it into the classroom. Students can read at their own pace, and then sign up (that's how I managed test taking) to take a test during center time. It also allows a teacher to generate different types of reports, that can help the teacher create reading groups, reteach a concept that may not have been very clear, and guide in making lesson plans. It is a great tool that schools can implement into their reading curriculum to help teachers teach and students make reading comprehension gains.

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  6. I would choose Accelerated Reader in my multicomputer classroom because it is easier for both the students and the teacher. Accelerated Reader is a great supplemental reading program where students can read books at their individual reading level. Then the teacher, as well as the student, can visualize their progress. Students are able to read a book at their own pace then take a comprehension test, specific to their book, that assess their comprehension. AR enhances students comprehension skills, reading skills, and independent working skills. In a multicomputer classroom with Accelerated Reader students are able to take a test on the computer as soon as possible to they finish their book because they are not waiting for access to a computer for very long, if at all.

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  7. I chose a multicomputer classroom because in my class I have eight computers. I would probably use Jostens as my software because I think that it does a great job for the various learning styles that are in my class. Jostens allows teachers to have multiple types of assessment to assess student learning. For example, if we are discussing the Fall of the Roman Empire (we just got done with this in my class) to assess my students I could have them get on a computer and use this program. It is individualized which means that students can work at their own pace. It is great for me because when I am lecturing, using a PowerPoint, or even a having a class discussion I am not 100% sure if all students understand everything that we are discussing. With Jostens I can see if students are struggling with a concept when they are doing their assessment on the computer. It also serves as an excellent supplementary material to help reinforce the lesson. In my opinion this is a great software program that can enhance student learning for all learning abilities.

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  8. I am currently teaching in a one computer classroom. I am still able to use different types of software with the use of a projector. The benefits to this are that I don’t have to worry about maintenance and care of multiple computers, just one. Students are still able to benefit from technology because I can show different things on the projector for them to interact with. There are other computers in the school that students can use so they can still do technology related assignments.
    I would not mind having a few extra computers in my classroom so that when I have different groups working on various activities at the same time, the computer is still available for some. This would also give students more hands on experience with the technology. I would also have more flexibility in planning activities for my students.

    -Amy Powers

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  9. If I had the option available to me, I would choose a multi-computer classroom. A multicomputer classroom opens up lots of possibilities when it comes to cooperative learning activities. If there are multiple computers, then students can be placed into groups and work on projects utilizing the computer and technology. Another benefit is that multiple students can work on a variety of tasks using the computer at the same time. One program I would use is Accelerated Reader and remedial drill and practice software to help my students reach their IEP goals.

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  10. I hope to teach in a multiple-computer classroom. The use of multiple computers creates more learning opportunities in the classroom. I would have a learning center with computers for students to use to practice, review, and for research. I would allow students to practice math facts on www.factmonster.com and would use WebQuests. I would also use the Accelerated Reader program in my classroom. My daughters’ school uses Accelerated Reader program in their classrooms. I like the AR program because it allows students to read books that interest them at their own pace and be tested on comprehension after they complete the book. The report printed from the AR program make it easy to keep parents informed as well. I would also use the computers during cooperative learning activities and during presentations.

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  11. I agree with the majority of my classmates and I would choose a multi-computer classroom as the optimal environment for teaching and learning. There are many benefits to teaching in a multi-computer classroom such as increased opportunities for individual work on the computer, differentiated instruction, students can work at their own pace, cooperative group work and endless computer software/ lessons/ activities for any content area and skill level are available. The many activities that can be accomplished individually or cooperatively in a mult-computer classroom include interactive Web Quests; creating presentations; creating documents and/or multimedia that represent learning in individual and unique ways; concept mapping and communication. I think that students' levels of motivation are inreased when they are given the opportunity to collaborate with others, work at their own pace and provided opportunities to demonstrate their learning in unique ways. I also like the Accelerated Reader program because provides formativve feedback to the teacher, allows students to select their own reading materials and read at their own pace and monitors students' reading performance.

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  12. I would choose to use the Accelerated Reader program in my classroom. I like that it allows the students to select their reading material, read at their own pace, and take their AR test when they have completed the reading. I would prefer to use this program in a multi-computer classroom. This way multiple students could be using AR at the same time. However, you could use the program in a one computer classroom. When the computer was "open" the students could sign in and take their test. The downfall of this is that with all of the students using one computer, it will take much longer for everyone to complete their test on AR. So, some students may be finished with their reading, but unable to move on to the next reading because they are still waiting to take their test.

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  13. In my multi-use classroom, i agree with Jonathan that I would use Jostens because it offers teachers such a variety of assessments and it allows for me as the teacher to pin point what the students have mastered and what else we may still need to work on. When writing summaries for instance, every student is working on a different skill that needs to be assessed in a different way. I think Jostens offers a variety of tools to help students and teachers

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  14. I would defeiently use multi-computer set up in my classroom and would have a projector that can show what I am doing on the computer. I would use this so students can work independenly, work in groups, but also can follow my instruction. I would use the program to make sure that everyone feels comfortable to facilitate optimal learning for everyone. Every student can work at his/her own pace without feeling rushed or left behind.

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  15. Since kindergarden is the grade I hope to get, I am assuming that it will be a one-computer classroom. I would set up the computer as a center with two or three seats for cooperative group learning. It would be a great way to enhance all subject areas, but especially reading. As a teacher, it would also handle some of my record-keeping chores. Response to Intervention is a hot topic today. I feel the sooner we can identify where learners/readers are behind, the faster we can modify our instruction and catch them up again. It will give my students more practice, I will be able to record voice quizzes and give some additional assessments of your students. It can also build vocabulary. The benefits are huge and I am sure my students will be fighting to get to the computer-reading center.

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  16. As I am in higher education I actually prefer the one computer classroom to the multiple computer or lab. In the past, when I have taught in computer labs, students tend to ignore the lecture and surf the web or check Facebook. I far prefer controlling the main computer and then having it projected onto a screen so they can follow along. If I worked with younger students I might feel differently as they would be less likely to stray from educational sites than adult college students.

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  17. If I had the option, I would definitely use a multi-computer classroom. I feel that this gives a greater opportunity for all students to learn how the different types of software work, and to complete their own projects and assignments. I think it is very important to work both individually and in groups, to develop social and personal skills, and to see where your strengths are. Everyone will have the opportunity to work and gain a greater understanding of computers. It is still nice because the teacher can still monitor what everyone is doing.

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  18. In my primary age classroom, I would prefer to use a multicomputer classroom. In my experience, I have noticed that kids can become competitive when resources are limited, and this is especially the case when dealing with computers and technology.

    With more computers and software available, kids receive additional opportunities to interact with technology, and to learn from their experiences.

    With local schools facing limited budgets, multicomputer classrooms can be a luxury. If I were in the position of teaching in a one-computer classroom, I would adapt my lesson plans and teaching strategies to meet my students' needs.

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  19. I currently have a one computer classroom and have no access to any software (i use free websites to teach). If I had a choice I would have a multicomputer classroom so that my students could get more exposure to computers since many of them do not have one at home. I would probably not use AR because the Kindergarten version is different than the older grades and I am not fond of it. I would rather use a program such as Headspout or a website such as Starfall.
    -Sara Port

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