Casey Doyon
SLM 521
Created
Article Critique #2 – Article “How to Thrive – Not Just Survive – in a One- Computer Classroom.” http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech092.shtml
The technology article I read was, “How to Survive- in a One-Computer Classroom.” A strategy that was suggested was to put the computer in a good space. A space that can be monitored easily supervised, away from sunlight, water, magnets and chalk dust. One suggestion was to use the computer as a station in part of a project. Fifteen minutes at the computer, fifteen minutes with books, etc… A traffic strategy is not only recommended, but needed. You should post a schedule with a set amount of time for each student. Draw Popsicle sticks with student’s names to determine who is next. Divide classes into five color coded groups, each day a different color group works with the computer. To make the computer screen visible to all students, the use of an Antec TVator can be used to project it. One teacher used printed articles and had students read, while others worked with a new task on the computer. Toner and paper are cheaper than more computers. Alternatives such as borrowing computers, computer labs, using a computer in an alternative room where it is not being used provides teachers with options. Timing is also a consideration- before and after school, lunch and recess are usually available to students. Scrounging around for old computers is a good way to maximize the availability for word processing vs. using a newer computer for multi-media projects. It is important to be an effective planner and be organized in a one computer situation. Make sure each child is ready with their work before they sit down at the computer. A helpful hint is to provide a checklist to monitor activities. Recruit from the outside, tech savvy parents and volunteers can help you in the classroom. An excellent resource book for teachers is, “25 Activities for the One Computer Classroom.” This gives ideas like checking the weather on weather.com and e-mailing it for announcements. Other ideas are listening to a famous person on an audio archive, ask and expert, and more. There were many other suggestions for activities a teacher could use to make a one-computer classroom dynamic and a creative teaching tool.
I thought this article was easy to read, well written and had good practical ideas. Unfortunately all too often schools don’t have the resources to have as many computers as needed. This article addressed the important issue of where to place a computer and why. The strategies, planning and organization seem so crucial in making a one-computer classroom enjoyable and effective. The activities that were listed were great in my opinion. Many of these I wouldn’t have thought of and they were useful in enhancing what was being taught. I copied this article and plan on keeping it with a file I have collected of ideas, lessons and what to do as a teacher when I become one.