Reflection Ch.1

Page 3 of Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom


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


Inquiry-based learning is an effective way for educators to assist students in solving complex problems.  In this situation, the teacher takes an active role in the students discovery of multiple solutions.  When dealing with computers in the classroom however, inquiry-based learning is not the only approach the teacher can take.  There are two other techniques that can be utilized in a classroom with computers.  The first is problem-based learning, in which the teacher enforces students to gain valuable information on their own rather than provide for them.  The other approach is project-based learning, in which the teacher clearly defines objectives and goals for a specific problem.  Although I personally favor the problem-based learning approach because it promotes student independence, all three can be valuable in creating open-ended learning environments.

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


Tutorial and drill-and-practice software can still be a very effective way to educate students.  These programs are most effective only if they enable students to go back and look over fundamental points of a lesson.  I am not sure how lost I would be without the tutorials that were made available for this class.  Too much information that is not relevant to the objectives could be a distraction or the software itself could be confusing to the students.

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


Learning how to implement a complex lesson dependent on technology can be time-consuming.  However, the result is most definitely worth it.  The great thing about technology is its ability to allow people to share much easier and on a bigger scale.  Therefore, creating such a lesson would not be limited to one educator but a collaborative effort of many.  Once a solid lesson is created, teachers can update information rather easily from time to time if the need arises.

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


In a perfect world, yes, a lesson that integrates technology in the classroom would operate much smoother if each student had direct access to a computer.  However, this is not always the case and some computers may have more than one student accessing it at a time.  As a teacher's life depends on his/her flexibility and creativeness, this could be an opportune time to allow students to work in groups and solve a problem together.  Each student will have to be assigned a task in the solving of this problem, thus, the lesson has integrated technology with collaborative problem-solving.