WEEK 7 - One Computer Classroom

This week was a challange when the internet was horrible... Urgh! Nevertheless, strive on and plow ahead regardless of the obstacles laying in front.

Used the Padlet website for the first time. Posted my link on the Padlet website and I was happy that it finally got attached!. It was something interesting to do. Somehow it was like I was writing on some 'Post-it' then pasting it on the 'wall'. One activity I taught of that I could do with this website is, students are divided into groups of 4. Then they are given a topic to discuss on and post the Padlet website. For example; 'Suggest ways to stop bullying in schools.' or 'In your opinion, how can you become an excellent student?'.

Students could link videos, websites or articles on the Padlet. After the groups have posted their findings or post on the Padlet website, students from other groups are allowed to post their comments regarding the topics that were posted on the Padlet. The teacher too would post on the Padlet website and add his/her remarks to the posts.

Another topic that we did this week was on the one computer classroom. This is a senario that I have faced many times. Most of the time I would use my own laptop in the classroom and setup the LCD. The lesson would normally be about a new topic and PowerPoint would be used or videos would be shown. But now when I need to inclue the learners' autonomy into the classroom, students need to be put into focus and less of the teacher. So how would you do this in a one computer classroom when you have a large class? It was a challange but not impossible.

One way that I have found was I could do more groups discussion activities. Students could use the one computer to do their presentation. They would do their research and discussion beforehand. Creating groups would be easier to handle and students get to do their own research. Students are given the autonomy to learn as much as they can on the topic. They could look up articles, read journals or visit websites. They then would gather to discuss and pitch their ideas to their group members and finally present their ideas to the entire class. During their presentation, their peers and teacher would judge them on their presentation based on the rubrics given to them earlier.

Now I hope I can finally get back to school after nearly a week travelling away escorting my students for their state competition. Wish them all the best and pray they come back champions! Fingers cross! Will post pictures of where I went with them and hopefully I can get stronger internet connection.

Have a great week ahead! I know I will have one. :)