Getting the Most Out of Technology in the Classroom

I have been researching authentic learning throughout most of my logs, to the point where I am now feeling like I am promoting the method. I guess I do. Whenever possible, or always considered to be included, authentic learning seems logical and efficient. That said, so much of authentic learning uses technology, (not always, and I wish I had the time to go into methods that don't) and there are dangers to using too much internet in the classroom. Most probably know this, but here are some general guidelines for when you are having your students go online.

-Double check your exercise using online tools. It is necessary? Does it serve the purpose? Is it the only way? Have a purpose, lead, or reason. Yes, those Hubble photos are awesome, but fit them into a unit about technology Galileo, nebulas, etc. for more bang for your buck.

-Go through a whole day, a whole lesson plan (there are plenty of these online) that teaches students about online credibility.

-Be sure that your choice to use authentic learning doesn't include games that again, are just using time and don't serve the purpose well enough. Or be sure the game accurately promotes the lesson.

-Get a classroom management plan. Dr. Kruse just used the phrase "collapse your window" when he wants to add some explicit instruction, and talk to the entire class in general when in our computer lab at Drake.

-Timing the session, the research, the activity, helps with classroom management. have a system for rotating students around if they are sharing computers.

-Have students write a reflection about the online activity if you are avoiding worksheets.

-Plan far in advance. I am learning the hard way that programs online are yes, available to classrooms all over the world. But the support authentic experiences give to lessons are still tailored towards certain information. They have to be modified, or planned into the arc of a whole unit.

-There are numerous sites developed specifically for classrooms that have already blocked inappropriate sites for kids, or have focussed search engines for specific subjects. Or learn how to block those sites yourself here.

Considering how as much time I spend online every day researching information for class and personnel use, I can't imagine not letting kids use internet when they need. However special attention is needed to why and how often students use online resources. Of course, there is always the question of funding computers for the classroom. I think most teachers would agree, there is not enough.