Using Student Computers

Systematically to Differentiate

Instruction/Practice

Questions for your consideration:

Are computers used during center time?

Do students always get their choice of activity

when they visit the computer? Why?

Are the activities they do meeting specific needs?

When are some other times during the day that

students could be assigned computer time with

specific tasks without missing instruction from

you?

What holds you back from fully utilizing the

computers? How can that be overcome?

See next page for example programs.

Name of Program Main Purpose Features Management Options:

Splash Into Phonics

Phonics Grades K-3

Program specific lessons and view results.

Many lessons can be programmed in advance.

Students complete lessons in order programmed for them.

View progress occasionally via teacher login.

Starfall Phonics Grades K-1

Easy to navigate Print the Starfall main screen. Students cross off as they finish each task.

National Geographic Listen and Read

Allows for readers to have additional time with text whether they can read it independently or not.

Reads real literature aloud as students follow along.

Engaging

Make a list the selections you would like students to read/listen to. They can mark off as they do it.

Book Flix Allows for readers to have additional time with text whether they can read it independently or not.

Reads real literature aloud as students follow along.

Engaging

Make a list the selections you would like students to read/listen to. They can mark off as they do it.

Classrooms -> Grade ____ -> Click on the story title.

A variety of links from Starfall and Harcourt to support skills associated with the story.

Integrated

Other Websites

To meet a variety of needs

Specific to a need Can be linked directly to the Donaldson Home Page.

Spelling City To practice spelling

Easy to understand how to do

Have them check name off of list.

Math Magician Practice specific math facts

Can choose the math fact to practice

Print a certificate

Can check off when certain facts are mastered.

Math Connects Lesson related games, songs, and videos

Repeated practice

Introduction

Classroom Management: Use graphics and name

cards.

It’s ok if students get unequal time on the computer.

If their objectives can be met a better way, then so be

it.

1. Take screen shots (pictures) using the key.

Paste into a Word doc. and print.

2. Hang the screen shots by the computer area.

3. Clip or stick student names by the program that they

should use during computer time. (See example on

next page.)

Sample Wall Space:

Students can be listed on multiple task pictures. You can

specify to the student the order in which things should be

done.

Annie

Brayden

Katie

Henry

Connor

Delaney

Connor

Individual Accountability and Tracking: Folders

Now that you have a classroom management system in place, you may need

folders for student accountability.

1. Create a double pocket folder for each student.

2. Use the screen shot pics with your specific directions and/or

progress monitor papers.

3. When you would like all or most students to complete

something, you can create a list with the title of the activity and

post it on the wall. They can cross of their name as they finish

rather than put a paper in all of the folders.

Start with + ZEROES. Once you get

100%, print the certificate and shade in

the +0 on the chart.

Once you earn 100% on one fact today,

you may go on to another assigned

computer activity.

Place a checkmark on the

activity when you have

completed it.

Closing Thoughts:

Once you have a few programs systematically up and running,

you probably won’t have to modify it for several weeks.

I will have the capability to customize student desktops, so I

can create a folder with your name right on the desktop

which contains exactly those sites/programs you may use.

This will cut down on navigating and increase contact time

with the program.

The management ideas are a few quick ideas I came up with.

The goal is to make management easy, quick, and functional

for you and the students. If you have alternatives, please

share!

Thank you and let me know how I can help you differentiate

using computers!