Online Exercise 5

1. Think about your classroom. In your mind, where do you see the technology in that room? (Think of all the possible technologies—computers, LCD projectors, handhelds, laptop carts, and more.)

I have a LCD projector, a document camera, a digital camera, a InterWrite pad, a scanner, two laptops for student use, and a personal computer. I also have a classroom wiki page and discussion board. I would love to have student digital response systems (handheld clickers) and a classroom set of netbooks. After using the IPod Touch in our class, I would really like to have a classroom set!

2. How will you set up the classroom to support students in working both with technology and with each other?

The classroom could be set up with tables instead of desk to promote group discussion. Tables would also all more room for the use of laptop computers or other technology. The classroom wikipage or blog can be a place where students are asked to interact with each other.

Ask yourself the following questions:
3. Will the kinds of technologies you have envisioned support all of your students regardless of their learning strengths and weaknesses?

Technology does a lot to support all learners because the learners can search for information that specifically fits their needs. This is especially true if the learners are aware of their learning style. For example, Visual learners can look for or create pictures and diagrams and auditory learners can search for or create podcasts or videos. The possibilities are endless.

4. Will these technologies support your students in working together?

I think that these technologies will support the students working together to create collaborative projects. The class wikipage or discussion board is also a place where the students can work together.

5. Will students have enough access to technologies to meet their learning needs?

I think that they will have enough technologies to find something to support their individual learning styles and needs.

Now think about teaching in that classroom:
6. How will you know students are learning what you intend them to learn?

I will be able to assess their understanding of the material using a variety of assessments, both formative and summative. (i.e. end of unit projects, discussions, quizzes, unit tests, and presentations)

7. How will you identify their preferred learning style and differentiate instruction in the classroom for them?

I really liked the online learning style survey we took in class. The students could take this survey or one like it. Learners with different styles could be given a choice of assignments that would support the same class objectives.

8. If they are not learning what you intend, how will you address that?

This could be addressed by offering tutoring, both during and after class, preforming a reevaluation of their learning style, and reteaching the objective using different methods.

SHANNON GOODWIN