Laptop+Use


 * [[image:problem.jpg]] || There has been considerable misuse of the computers during school hours by a number of the 9th graders. The major problems are playing games and e-mailing each other during class. There has also been web surfing of sports pages, music sites, and other sites of interest. As I let them use their computers to answer their homework questions while I lecture, etc., many students surf and chat rather than do their work. Some students will actually play games, etc. rather than do their work that is due. As they have fast fingers, it is difficult to catch everyone. //Charles// ||
 * [[image:solution.jpg]] || Though it would seem that the cause of laptop misuse is student-centered, it is the instructor who is really responsible for the effective use of technology in their classrooms. Currently over 90% of our teachers still use lecture as the primary means of disseminating information to students. As we've seen, and will continue to see lecture and laptops don't mix. Laptops encourage divergent thinking ([|Sir Ken Robinson]) which is opposed to lecture, which tends to promote linear thinking. If we are to be effective educators we need to transform our teaching methodologies to embrace the divergent, collaborative nature of technology. If we continue to use lecture as the primary means of "teaching", then we will have made our student no more than stenographers, and we will continue to see misuse. We need to carefully craft lessons that empower our students with these new divergent tools. //Christian// ||
 * [[image:positive.jpg]] || Laptops allow easy access to resources. They can be used to give tests which can be instantly graded. Funny thing is several students prefer NOT to take test on the computer. Paper is saved by having students place their assignments in an electronic “dropbox” or having assignments e-mailed to you. Downside is “tons of e-mails” and lack of identification on work (similar problem with paper and pen). There are lots of neat programs that they can use such as Inspiration and Onenote; however, many do not know how to use them. //Charles// ||
 * [[image:solution.jpg]] || A solution that Charles and I discussed is designing lessons and adjusting his classroom setting to build a learner-based environment. We will provide students with incentives and means to discover their own answers and develop their own questions in the collaborative network environment provided by OneNote. //Christian// ||
 * [[image:question.jpg]] || Do you use lecture as a primary means of teaching students? Do you find that your students aren't using their computers to take notes? Please add to this [|discussion] some 21st century teaching strategies that you've found to be effective with students that have laptops. How are you empowering your students with these tools? ||