In stage 3 White Laptops are used in a variety of ways so as to enable the students to take a more active role in their learning. Laptops are used individually, in small groups, and in a 1:1 (1 computer to 1 child) classroom environment.
The students have been, and continue to be taught, the skills to navigate specific software and applications (Apps). By learning how to use the functions and in turn navigate these specific software and Apps we are giving them the tools in which to develop Higher Order Thinking. (HOT).
We are able to allow the students to work at their own pace or readiness level especially in the areas of literacy and numeracy. For example, if particular students are having difficulty in understanding a math concept they can work individually using the Maths online Excel Program, which goes through each concept step by step and gives examples and problems for the students to complete. In this way we are using the laptops as a tutor system.
We also work in small groups whereby the teacher’s aids and parent helpers enable literacy groups to function at a high output of learning. For example, we have rotating groups whereby the students participate in activities pertaining to the novel they are reading as a class. One group determines responses to questions aided by the aid or parent helper, then they take turns answering as a recording using an online app called Voceroo. Another group work together on a mind-mapping (using Poppet or Bubbles) journey of the story so far, each using their own laptop, but doing it on Google docs, to enable them to see what each is doing simultaneously. Again the importance of a teacher, aid or parent is vital in maintaining a positive learning environment. A third group could be working on writing a group narrative about what they think may come next in the story and how clues (visual and written) in the story so far enable them to come to their conclusions. They each produce their responses in Word on their laptops.
The following is an article explaining how each child having access to a computer enables the students to work at their own readiness level and the teacher is able to assign content on a more individualised level according to the pace and readiness level the student is at. Why Every student Should be in a 1:1 Classroom. Written by K. Walsh.
To encourage higher thinking the students are given tasks or problems to complete or solve. They work in groups or individually on a laptop and are given the opportunity to choose which software and or Apps will enable them to complete the task or solve the problem successfully.
CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW REFERENCE. . This teaching approach is scaffolded in that initially the tasks or problems are designed around specific software or apps and they are limited in their choices. As the students develop in their mastery of using the laptop (I.E using the software) these tasks will be designed and extended to allowing the students to choose the application(s) they think is best for the task. By giving the students the opportunity to choose, this aids them in developing a deeper level of thinking about the specific task. This is because they first need to understand what the task is, draw upon the knowledge they have gained in ICT and apply it to a given task.
The Australian Curriculum promotes ICT across the curriculum in two ways. First through the ICT capabilities, which is indicated under appropriate objectives across the curriculum whereby it will enable and enhance learning. the second way is through the Digital Technology Curriculum. Through the appropriate use of laptops (as outlined above) in our classroom," Students develop capability in using ICT for tasks associated with information access and management, information creation and presentation, problem solving, decision-making, communication, creative expression, and empirical reasoning. This includes conducting research, creating multimedia information products, analysing data, designing solutions to problems, controlling processes and devices, and supporting computation while working independently and in collaboration with others."(The Australian Curriculum - Scope of ICT Capability)
For a more detailed look at Information and Communication Technology (ICT), as specified in the Australian curriculum, in our classroom please click on the link below.