Making It Work
In the two previous post we discussed the value of technology in the learning process with a focus on reading. Most people seem to be in agreement that technology brings an important element to this process. While this seems true when we talk about it, there are also many discussions about the problems teachers have in implementing these strategies in the classroom. For this post, please discuss any problems you have had in implementing technology strategies in classroom instruction. Please share successful resolutions you have had also and/or how you believe the problem should be approached.
posted by Jim at
8:31 AM
12 Comments:
My primary issue is lack of computers! I teach in a portable that has poor internet connection. I have one computer! Therefore, it is very difficult to implement many of the strategies I would like to implement. Sometimes, I just get my children to huddle around our one computer, but as you can imagine, this can lead to behavior issues if done frequently and for long periods of time. Fortunately, I have been assigned 2 30-minute segments of time in our computer lab. I am able to have my children log on to Reading Plus, the program each teacher in grades 2-5 are mandated to utilize (at our school). But as far as other more creative uses, I am limited by my one classroom computer!
Tissan Brown,
Ben Sheppard Elementary
There are not enough computers to implement many strategies in the classroom.We are required to perform miracles with our children daily, but not enough time in which to do this. With 25 children and 2 working computers and 3 programs to implement on which we are penalized if we don't meet the required time, plus to work through the curriculum this is an impossible task.
Problems...where do I start?? My printer crashes when it runs out of ink. The printhead has to be cleaned with alcohol and q-tips before it will accept ink from a new cartridge.
I tried to access e-books last week, but alas. no speech plug-in on my computer. Asked our tech for help. I'm still waiting. I've been making assignments on Riverdeep for my students since mid-Fall. I've sent several letters to parents explaining how to access Riverdeep, while including each student's individual I.D. number. I've gotten 3% class participation. Some of my students have parents that teach at my school. This is discouraging!!
I've requested a new printer. That's one solution on it's way.
The speech plug-in, I hope, will work itself out. Parental support is a whole "nother" nut to crack.
GStory
My students do not have computers in the classrom. I have a computer for teacher use. If I find a website that I think the students will like I bring them around the computer and share and talk about the site, I will send home websites that I have found that the parents and students can interact with at home. Most of the kids have a computer at their homes and this is a good time for them to practice skills. Since I teach language arts I use sites that are good for what we are studying in class. The kids do use the sites, because I hear them talking about it and they tell me also.
We have a great tech at my school who helps us alot. But not many computers to do the job.
I hear everybody complaining about the same issues all the time, and I think all teachers like myself are very frustrated. The fact is we know there is a world of wonderful technology/software available out there; however, it can not be reached most of the time for the common factors: lack of reliable computers/technitians and/or mandated regulations that must be followed.
What about a technology grant? Does anybody know about this??
This could be a way of getting computers and/or software in your class.
I have 7 computers in my classroom. I never know which one will work when I need them. My solution is that I just rotate the students until we have computers that are working. Next, when I ask the IT guy to install software or supply hardware it is always a challenge. I understand he is busy, but to enhance the use of technology in my classroom I need his help. Solution: Find out if there is a technology committee at my school; if so, JOIN, JOIN, JOIN, contribute things I have learned so that other teachers may learn as well about these new sites and tools that will assist them in teaching. THANKS JIM FOR BEING SO AWESOME...SS
We have a list of problems. First, the only computer in my room is mine. We do have a computer room at our school, but only the math department is permitted to take their classes there. Since I teach intensive reading, I am supposed to be implementing various programs, however with no access to computers it is impossible. Also, few of my students have a computer in their home, so without one to use in school they are unable to learn anything which can benefit them from technology. Also, our computer tech....well, we won't go there.
This week has been very busy again with gradebook and assisting teachers; however I wish to load the dictionary on all the computers in the lab so the children can learn how to look up words. Creating the book in MS Reader will be very interesting for the children; we just need time for them to utilize.
Today's lesson with audacity might prove useful for the students in a play we're doing on Robin Hood. I will try it out with them if I can locate a microphone.
First, our computer technician says that he doesn't have the resources to help us. Second, unfortunately I don't have computers for my students. I have only one computer and they told me that the students are not allowed to use it. It is so sad!!!
I wish I was the miracle worker, but I'm not. A class full of students and only two computers. No computer lab and no time left for discretional teaching. Everything looks beautiful on paper but the reality is that technology is not a priority in the schools.
I have six computers that I share with the teacher next door to me. They are never working. The few times they are it is great. All the students want to use them, and they love it.
I think that incorporating the use of technology into our daily lessons is the most difficult part. There are too many things to be covered and not enough time or computers.
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