Integrating Technology into Larger K-3 classes

[Susan]

I am a Media Specialist in a K-6 elementary school. I am currently working on NET*T certification and I am having a lot of success in integrating technology into my upper (4-6) grade classes. I have access to digital cameras and voice recorders as well as five computers on a daily basis.

 

I would like some suggestions for how to utilize five computers in a 40 minute class for my k-3 students in a fair and equitable manner. The class size varies from 20-31 students and abilities vary widely, from students who don't recognize their letters with no keyboarding skills to those students who are extremely gifted.  I have been using the first 20 minutes for instruction and the last 20 minutes for checkout.

 

I have reviewed online instructional plans and resource ideas but the majority of what I have seen is for upper grades and I am trying to develop some ideas for next year for my younger students.

[Paula Daubert]

Have you tried the Thinkfinity website? They have lessons for all age levels and abilities.

 

BTW, how do you do a computer lesson for 30 students with only 5 computers? I have 6 ccomputers and have students work in pairs in 2 shifts. In some ways it works, in other ways it doesn't. How do you do it?

[Susan]

I have looked at Thinkfinity it is a great resource.

 

I use small groups with the older students and I do it in shifts as well. I have had to juggle some of the student groups as personality conflicts, etc. arise but overall it has worked well. My problem is the younger students who all want to have their own computer to utilize (of course) but who don't have keyboarding skills. The group dynamic is not working as well with them and I am hoping others might have some ideas I haven't thought of yet.

[Karen Dumas]

Have you thought of using older student mentors ? They may be able to manage the computers on a rotating, centre model helping the younger ones. Decide what your tech goals are for the young ones, or refer to your school/district goals for primary students and then plan from there. The older students are wonderful helpers and have the skills to demo. Good luck. Please share your successes. 

[Susan]

I just wanted to thank you for the idea of student mentors. I have implemented a program for my sixth graders to assist the first and second grade students with keyboarding skills. I have been overwhelmed with eager 6th graders who want to help them. Frankly, I have been delighted with the students' desire to assist and the feeling of community that both the younger and older students feel as a result. Thank you for the wonderful suggestion!

[Diane Falconer]

Would you share some of what is working for gr. 4-6? Do you have a website perhaps? 

 

If you search a particular author or picture book title, you can probably find related projects (Seuss, Eric Carle, Kevin Henkes, etc.) 

 

For lower el I'm seeing a lot of projects with Kidpix. I haven't tried any---haven't used Kidpix in over 7 years since I've been at secondary level.

[Susan]

Sure! For my Capstone I project, I used Museum Box with my sixth graders. I am in the process of revamping my portaportal. I am going to do author studies with my first graders this year. Have you run across any really good interactive author sites?