Chapter 1 Reflections

Must I use a inquiry-based learning approach in my classroom to use computers as a tool?

Inquiry-based learning is just one method to using computers as a tool. It can be effective. There are other mothods to using computers as a tool. These include project based instruction and problem based instruction. Both are also valuable and should be used in the elementary classroom. In my opinion, teachers should used many different approaches to teaching within any lesson plan, so choosing one over the next is dependent upon the lesson being taught.

 

Can I still use tutorials and drill-and-practice software?

Absolutely! These are just as valuable. Students progress at differerent paces. Tutorials should be available for students to reflect and review what is taught. I've developed tutorials in an academic library setting (where I worked) to teach students how to use the library resources. They were highly effective. Students, who either had come to an orientation or even who had not, could sit independently and view these tutorials on how to use the resources as often as necessary.

 

Won’t I have to spend a great deal of time to develop these units of instruction?

The texts states that it will take time and effort. However, I don't believe you will need to spend additional time developing these units. As teachers, we should spend a certain amount of time developing any of our lessons. Technology is just another tool to aid in instruction. Also, as teachers, we will get better over time incorporating such technology into our lessons, and it will be easy to update the lessons as technology improves. Also, these lessons should be a collaborative effort, as with any lesson, thus making our access to technology rich lessons great.

 

Won’t every student need a computer to use it as a tool?

The NTeQ model has chosen the ideal number of computers in the classroom to be four to six. In some districts this is not possible due to budget constraints. In Dare County, the students have access to 4 computers in the elementary classroom along with a computer lab. Students use the ones in the classroom as centers or for extra classwork in groups and go to the computer lab for individualized instruction. Most teachers can work out a student collaboration or schedule for individual use when there is a shortage.