Source of Information

Introduction:

As we know, the computer can be used as a valuable source of information. Just because you only have one computer in your classroom doesn't mean it can't be implemented there. Here's some ways...

For Teachers:

• Research on the Internet for information covering class content.
• Get Lesson Plan ideas.
• Get practical teaching tips from others in the field.
• Explore information on ways to design quizzes, tests, graphic organizers, etc.
• Gather various samples of students work from across the world on content currently being covered in class.
• Join a virtual community relating to subject you teach, or one for teachers.
• Use CD-roms to get information specific to what needed.

   

For Students:

• Research on the Internet for content needed for class.
• Get information or ideas for projects, research papers, etc.
• Visit a virtual community to aid in assignments they're working on. (ie: writing project - visit www.kidlink.org)
• Talk to professionals in the field they are studying.
• Use CD-roms to do research, view an atlas, check definitions, spelling or grammar, etc.
• Join learning circles to enhance knowledge.

   

Practical Tips for the Teacher:

• Design a rotation schedule for student computer time.
• Limit the amount of information students need to find.
• Use partners at the computer.
• Use an appropriate search engine.
• Have a school Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) and have all students fill one out with parent's signature.

   

Guidelines for Planning Student Internet Experiences:

• Become comfortable with the Internet.
• Set appropriate web sites.
• Set a clear objective / outcome for what you expect the students to learn from this experience.
• Reflect on how the use of the technology / Internet will enhance the achievement of the outcome.
• Preview all web sites carefully.
• Decide if this experience would be most effective as a large group presentation, accessed directly by students, or as a combination of both.
• Make a bookmark list of the site or sites you will be using in the lesson and save them as a bookmark file in the global shared folder.
• Prepare a graphic organizer, rubric, or set of directions for students.
• Prepare students for what they will be learning and what will be expected of them.
• Plan for how you will assess mastery of the objective.