When the technology fails in a 21st century

-
The question was posted "How do I handle it when something I have planned has a glitch?"

It is important that your students be involved in the problem solving process. Remember that they are digital natives and the idea of work arounds is familiar to them. Allow them to take some ownership over solving the problem. Is there a different program to be used? Could you convert items into a different format? Be clear in the learning objectives and the tasks required of the class. This is one those places that we as teachers and digital immigrants have to get out of our own way. We don't have all the answers.

Comments

  1. Brook ReynoldsApril 4, 2011 at 3:15 PM

    I have started to incorporate the Smartboard into my lessons and classroom, since that is my ILTP goal. Something that My kids tend to just say..... “touch that button” and never really give me a why. I would like them to say, “Touch the button that looks like an eraser, because it probably would erase.” or “click on the paint can, I know if I paint something it will change color, so maybe if I click on that button, it will change colors.” I want my kids to know the reason behind something they do. I think that glitches or troubleshooting some of the "small and minor details" could be minimal if students process the "why" behind something they are doing. Just a thought. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Moana TavaresApril 10, 2011 at 9:41 PM

    Yes Brook including the why or details in explanations is something that is a struggle for my students across content areas as well. I think it's just something that you can model and probe out of them. Asking follow up questions then repeating the entire answer including the why would give them a clear understanding of what you expect.

    Kathleen, I think including students in the steps of problem solving can be very meaningful. It makes me think about how my students always instantly reach for the power button behind the computer desktop when their activity loads slow or they click the wrong tab and something strange pops up. It becomes very frustrating for me and my students as the computer loads even slower and seems even more "messed up." I think taking the time to teach them a few problem solving skills such as asking a neighbor, raising your hand, checking to see if the page is still loading etc. before just turning the entire computer off. This would lower the frustration for everyone and save our computers.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Edmodo for the District

-
Image
So you have decided to give our Language Arts Edmodo group a try?   Or perhaps you are just wanting to learn more about Edmodo?  Well you are in the right place! Many people explain Edmodo as a place on the web for teachers to get together to collaborate, discuss and share lessons, resources, ideas, problems, solutions, or something as great as having a successful day in the classroom!  To participate in our FNSBSD Edmodo group, follow the steps below:  1. Go to FNSBSD Edmodo:  http://fnsbsd.edmodo.com 2. If you already have an Edmodo account, log in with your FNSBSD email and password. If you do NOT have an account with Edmodo , click the "I'm a Teacher" button to sign up. 3. Enter your School Code. IF you do not know your school code, contact me at my Christina Hum FNSBSD email address.  4. On the left-hand side you will see a section for Groups. Click on the word join. Enter the code on the back of your flyer or email Christina H
Read more

Spring Brings Refreshing

-
Image
It happens every spring. In Alaska our snow starts to melt, and we discover all kinds of things left, lost, and buried in different layers from the winter snow storms. I feel this is the same thing that happens to myself as a teacher as we approach spring. I begin to wrap up projects, self-assess on a larger scale, reflect upon the year and different events. Like items lost in the snow, I discover different projects or ideas started and forgotten, some probably a good idea that they were forgotten and some will be put on the slow cooker for next year. My poor, little blog is one of them. Every year, I dig it back out and tell myself I will return to blogging to share some of the materials, activities, ideas that I always have stewing. This year, I came across a lovely post from ISTE community to join Blogging Buddies . Timing was perfect! I have been clamoring all year (many referenced sticky notes and conversations) about the need for constant refresh from a PLN, but a gentle nud
Read more

Google Site: Intro

-
Image
Standards: Participant will understand and use basic computer skills to research and use web-based tools to complete their ITLP. ISTE 3.D, Alaska 8.D Google Sites has so many possibilites, from building simple class or course web pages to maintaining a class "wiki." Not to mention the many tutorials, samples, lessons, templates, and support groups online to help you kick off your Google Site pages. This lesson will provide you with the basics to get started and a quick tour around the site. DESIGN YOUR SITE Before you head over to Google Sites, and you will hear this from every web designer, design your site. AKLN ITLP Cohort 1 has designed a series of lessons to walk you through designing your site and setting it up. This can be located here: Create an Online Lesson Using Google Sites . SETUP YOUR SITE STEP 1 Now that you have your design in place, we are ready to setup your site. To begin, you will need to login to your Gmail. To begin with  a site i
Read more