Using Computers Effectively in the Classroom Part I

In my textbook, Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom, Chapter 1 is about rethinking how to use computers the most effective way to help our students learn. The chapter goes into detail about how current technology, whether that is a computer or iPad or some other form of technology, is beneficially when used the correct way. Many teachers feel that displaying notes and assignments on a computer in the classroom is enough, however, that does not teach the student how to use the computer to increase their 21st Century Skills. Computers need to be used as an extra tool for the students to help enhance their learning. An example from Chapter 1 of incorrect use of a computer was when a biology teacher had his class playing an interactive computer game that did not allow the class to collaborate with each other or explore their own learning. There was also an example of correct use and that was when a teacher gave the class a problem to solve on their own using technology as tool for research and exploration of the topic. Allowing the class to have freedom to do their own research allowed the students to learn how to use a computer to do research and make a deeper connection to what they were learning.

Chapter 3 talks about the different digital tools that can be used in the classroom on a regular basis.  These four tools are computers, mobile devices, peripherals, and data storage devices. Computers are well, computers. They are either a tower and monitor or laptops and the two most popular are PCs and Macs. Mobile devices are much more than cell phones. Other mobile devices include mp3 players/recorders, e-books, cameras, GPS, calculators, Personal Data Assistants (PDAs), and personal response systems (PRS). All of these devices are common in today's world. However, I feel that PDAs for the most part have been replaced with the tablet because they have larger and colored screens and are also used the same as PDAs. A PRS is like a polling tool or known as a clicker that is used very commonly in many college classrooms. While mobile devices are important to use individually or in small groups, peripherals are important attachments to computers. Some peripherals are microphones, headphones and speakers, smartboards or interactive white boards, printers, projectors, scanners, and web cams. Data storage devices are external hard drives, flash drives, and storage cards. 

A classroom that uses computers, peripherals, storage devices, and mobile devices in an effective way are more successful than classrooms that do not use them at all. Today students are so used to these types of technology and they are able to make deeper connections to their learning when these familiar tools are used.