Using Groups with Technology
Tips for Sharing Computers During Assignments
Not all classrooms have the benefit of one computer per child. Assigning projects to student groups is a strategy that can integrate technology into lessons.
A few schools have the luxury of each student carrying a laptop to school, but this is rare. Most schools now have a computer or two in each classroom, but not enough for each student to use simultaneously. Schools with computer labs might have twenty computers available, but class sizes of over thirty. To effectively include more technology options in the curriculum try using groups or teamwork.
Collaborative Learning
When groups are created students must collaborate to accomplish the given task. Each student needs to be held accountable for individual contribution as well as the group’s overall success. Consider assigning younger students a role in the group, such as Leader, Recorder or Reporter. Older students, however, benefit from dividing responsibilities amongst themselves. When limited technology is involved it is beneficial for the group to have one person in charge of use while others support with assistance, advice or non-technology parts of the assignment.
Lesson Creation
The responsibility within a group must switch each time a project is assigned so that all students have the opportunity to learn to use the technology. Choose a technology based goal and include it as part of enough projects that all students have the opportunity to practice their skills. For example, suppose the goal is that all students will be able to use technology to organize data and create a graph by the end of the school year. To achieve this, provide the student groups with multiple science or data collection projects that require the use of a spreadsheet to enter the data and then create an appropriate graph.
As with most collaborative learning situations, the student groups will work better if given a meaningful problem based challenge. Create group lessons that requires thought, planning or research, then help them to see why it is important or interesting to solve. A limited number of computers require students to collaborate both within and amongst groups.
Teacher Support
Do not be afraid to try something new. Ask colleagues for ideas and support, both with the creation of the lesson and, if desired, in the classroom. If someone within the district is not available to assist then ask a parent or community member. If appropriate, have students volunteer to become an expert and assist others with the assignment. Also, have an alternative plan in place in case the computers fail or students are waiting for time on the computer.
Lesson Ideas
Lessons can be adapted to include technology, but may depend on what resources are available. Written group reports can be typed on a word processor. Data collected in a science experiment or social studies research can be entered in a spread sheet and used to create a graph. With Internet access students could perform some of their research on the World Wide Web.
More advanced possibilities are possible even with only one or two computers available. Brochures can be created in a word processor as a way a group can present information. PowerPoint presentations are another possible presentation medium for groups. A third would be the creation of a small web site.
