Wow, is it computer lab again already?! Well, what should the class do? Let's see, last week they spent the whole time on google images; some of them actually researched for their animal report. The week before that we did Dance Mat Typing. Maybe I'll send them to play some math games on learning links.
If you have ever gone through this type of though process when it is your class' turn to go to the lab or use the netbooks, you're not alone! Although we know it is much more beneficial to integrate technology as a device that enhances a lesson or unit, there just isn't enough time to plan this out ahead of time. Hopefully this post will help you find meaningful ways for your students to use computers without several extra hours of planning.
ReadWriteThink.org is a website with specific student-friendly programs and organizational tools. I stumbled across this site when I was looking for a way for my class to effectively organize a persuasive writing piece. I wanted this organizational tool to be something the students can access on the computer, since they are doing most of their research on computers. This site had the perfect program I was looking for! Now my class can research and organize at the same time on their computers without having to go back and forth between paper and computer.
This website has several applications for all major elementary (and beyond) subjects. To find student-friendly programs that fit your grade level and topic, simply click on your grade level on the left side of the screen. If you know specifically what type of program you are looking for, just type it into the "search" box in the upper left hand corner of the site. To find the program my class has been using I simply typed in "persuasive writing." That's it!
Your task this week is to explore the website and try to find an application that your students could use together as a class. In your response this week, let us know what program you found and how you plan to use it. If you cannot find a program you would use with your class, tell us about one way you currently use your computer lab/netbook time.
denise strom · 783 weeks ago
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mark lange · 782 weeks ago
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Beth Belmondo · 781 weeks ago
When I take my kids to the lab we usually explore learning links games, sometimes we do step-by-step drawings in tux paint based on what we're learning (snowman, self-portrait, flowers) and we learn how to label with text. We make cards in Bailey's Bookhouse, and shape pictures to review our shapes in Millie's Mathhouse, and color those back in the classroom. Any other ideas for K students I would love to hear!
Suz Chen · 781 weeks ago
Really cool resource! Thanks!
cheryl reilly · 781 weeks ago
Rosemary · 781 weeks ago
It is a rich site that has great lesson plans, student interactives and classroom resources. Checking Ruth's comment, I must go back and check out the parent resource tab.
Teresa Eccles · 781 weeks ago
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