COMPUTERS IN THE

CLASSROOM

BY: ROCIO CISNEROS

CONTENTS

Slides 3-4: Regina Halpin Article

Slide 5: Personal Reflection

Slides 6-7: Education Digest Article

Slide 8: Personal Reflection

Slides 9: Education and Treatment of Children Article

Slide 10: Personal Reflection

Slide 11: “A-Ha” Moments/ Conclusion

Slide 12: Author’s Quote/Citations

COMPUTER LITERACY INTEGRATED INTO ELEMENTARY MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE

TEACHER EDUCATION The focus of the research was on computers

in the classroom. Before using computers in the classroom, the

future educators must be comfortable and knowledgeable of the technology.

Four standards or procedures stated in the article for future educators to follow are: (1) basic technology operations and concepts, (2) application of technology in instruction, (3) professional and personal use of technology, and (4) the societal, ethical, and human impact of technology. (Halpin 1999)

Regina Halpin states the future educators should go through computer training in their required course work.

For example, math teachers can teach their students how to make charts and graphs by using tools such as spreadsheets and Excel.

Results for the 73 preservice teachers questioned: 76% were comfortable using word processors, 31% using e-mail, and 23% using a Web browser.

After completing the technology-integrated method courses, all the preservice teachers stated they were more comfortable using all three tools.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

I agree with Regina Halpin and her article. I think future teachers should be comfortable using different technologies in the classroom, especially the computer. There are many great tools one can use from the computer. For examples, the Internet, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc. I believe this class has brought attention to the importance of technology in the classroom. In addition, having confidence in ourselves will show in our classroom when we teach our students.

EDUCATION DIGEST Bruce M. Whitehead and Kay Clayton Cain,

installed computers in Hellgate Elementary School in California.

The teachers were at first reluctant to have the computers installed because they believed the computers distracted their students.

Other complications: equipment breakdowns, the students' frustration, and their own feeling that precious class time was slipping away.

However, the teachers took some classes to become more comfortable with the new tools. This resulted in the teachers wanting the computers in the classroom.

Computers were installed in grades 1 through 5, over a 3 year plan.

Math scores on the California Test of Basic Skills increased 20% points from the pervious year; due largely to the math software installed on the computers.

Also, the teachers improved communication among themselves. (They send and receive messages through e-mail)

Working in pairs at the computer has enhanced cooperative learning. Intrigued and encouraged by visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli, children are racing ahead in math and other subjects. There also was a rise in the quantity and quality of the children's writing.

Whitehead, Cain 1994

PERSONAL REFLECTION

I love the idea of having computers in the classroom. However, I do understand where some teachers might think they will bring distractions. This article illustrates the benefits for both the teachers and the students. The faculty was more in touch with one another and the level of confidence of the students was amazing. Also, using computers at a young age will only enhance the students’ performances in the later years of the education career.

EDUCATION AND TREATMENT OF CHILDREN

Computers are not just valuable in the classroom but also for students with learning or physical disabilities.

This article followed the process of a handheld computer used by a third-grader with emotional and behavioral disorders.

The student showed the ability to self-monitor his attention using a mobile handheld computer and showed increased on-task behavior. This was the first study to demonstrate the effectiveness of using a mobile handheld computer for self-monitoring.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Using technology tools in the classroom to help enhance the performances of disable students in the classroom is great. Not only does the student become more independent, they also are fitting in with their fellow classmates.

“A-HA” MOMENTS/ CONCLUSION My first “a-ha” moment was the from Regina

Halpin’s article. I did not think that many preservice teachers were uncomfortable using computer. I am glad to have taken this class. Second “a-ha” moment was getting ideas on how to help my future students by having computers in the classroom. Third “a-ha” moment was the fact that computers are useful beyond the classroom, also in everyday life.

In conclusion, computers will one day be the focal point of the classroom. Whether it be doing homework assignments, lesson plans, or even games; technology will continue to grow.

"The only way we, as trustees, can expect visionary schools is for us to become part of the vision. . . . Having the vision to establish networked computers in our elementary classrooms puts all of us on the edge of a great discovery in education." Whitehead, Cain 1994.

Citations Haplin, Regina. A Model of

Constructivist: Computer Literacy Integrated into Elementary Mathematics and Science Teacher Education. Journal of Research on Computing in Education. Fall 1999. Vol. 32, Number 1.

Whitehead, Bruce M., Cain, Kay Clayton. Put Computers into Elementary Classrooms – not Labs. Education Digest. Dec 1994. Vol. 60, Issue 4.

Gulchak, Daniel J. Using a Mobile Handheld Computer to Teach a Student with an Emotional and Behavioral Disorder to Self-Monitor Attention. Education and Treatment of Children. Nov. 2008. Vol. 31, Issue 4; pg 567-582.