One Computer Classroom

Amber Wideman
One Computer Classroom
Third Grade

My third grade classroom will consist of one computer, one printer, and one projector. The students desks will be located in the center of the room in rows. My desk will be located in the front left side of the classroom so I can see everything happening in the classroom. The computer and printer will be placed at my desk for my convenience. I would need a few programs, such as Microsoft Office, added to my computer to allow me to make lessons or tests and to take attendance. There will be a projector in the front of the room that can project off of the chalkboard which will also be in the front of the room. With the computer, I will make powerpoints and then send them to the projector to be projected onto the chalkboard for the entire class to see. The students will have restrictions on the use of the computer and will be watched carefully. Students will be able to look up information for assignments, play educational games, and take test. The students will have a limited amount of time on the computer each week. The printer will allow me to print off documents such as student test results or parent notes. I feel that my students can benefit from having technology in the classroom. It allows them to become familiar with technology and become better learners.

Four Computer Classroom

Amber Wideman
Four Computer Classroom
Third Grade

My third grade classroom will consist of four computers, one printer, and one projector. The student’s desk will be located in the middle of the room facing the chalkboard that is the front of the room. The teacher desk will be located at the front left of the room so I will have a full view of the classroom. One computer and the printer will be located here for my use only to take attendance, type worksheets, or do any kind of school work. The printer will be put with my computer so I can observe everything the students are printing. There will be a projector located in the front of the room so my students can watch slideshows or videos reflected off of the chalkboard to help them learn more efficiently. The other three computers will be located on the right side of the room lined against the wall. These computers will be used for the students for things such as using the internet, typing schoolwork, playing educational games, and taking Accelerated Reader test. Students will only be allowed to work at the computers a certain amount of time each week. Having four computers in my classroom will help my students to understand technology better and learn at the same time.

Acceptable Use Policy

-Absolutely NO food or drinks near computers.
-Listen to and follow teacher instructions.
-Ask permission before using the computers.
-Computers are to ONLY be used for learning purposes.

Learning Style vs. Cognitive Style

A learning style inventory is a test that can be taken to show someone how they learn best. People are all different types of learners such as visual, auditory, or physical learners. I took my test from the website http://www.learning-styles-online.com/. This test gives a list of about 75 different statements such as “My favorite subjects are science and math” or “Sounds bother me while I am studying”. Then you would rate the statements 0-2, zero being nothing like you and two being exactly like you. My results say that I tied between social and physical learning. Social learning means I learn best when I work with people or when I help others learn. Working in groups is also a way of social learning. Physical learning would be actually getting involved in an activity using your hands or your body. It also means I would remember something better if I had done if before. I scored lowest on verbal learning. I cannot learn well just by listening to someone teach a lecture. I believe this test was accurate about how I learn. I most definitely learn better by getting involved in what I am learning rather than just sitting during a lecture and listening.
A cognitive style inventory is a test that shows someone’s personality type and the way they think. There are many different types of personalities people can have. I took my test on http://www.personalitypathways.com/type_inventory.html. It is a test that consists of just 4 questions that you only have two choices to choose from to answer. One question is “Which way of forming judgment is most natural?” The options are either by thinking or feeling. After answering the questions, it says that I have a dominant extraverted personality type. The results for this personality type describe me as being organized, determined, logical, and it says that I love a challenge. These results described my personality very well. I believe I am very organized and I definitely love a challenge.
I believe both test were quiet accurate at describing the way I learn and think. These test told me a lot about myself that I had never truly thought it. I can use my results to help my daily life such as the way that I study. By taking these tests, someone can learn things such as new ways to remember information or how they can handle situations better.

Assignment 1

Technology plays a large part in schools today. Just a few years ago, technology access was limited. Many schools did not even have one computer in each classroom for teachers. The teachers had to write everything down on paper such as keeping up with attendance and grades. It must have been difficult to be stay completely organized or to stay on task. Since technology has improved, it has helped teachers be more prepared and conscious of students’ grades. Teachers can now keep up with students’ grades on the computer and see how each student is improving with just a click of a button. Teachers can also make lesson plans on the computer now. Students can go online to do assignments and also for younger students, there are educational games online to help them. I will use technology to help my students expand their minds and enjoy learning at the same time. It will be important to me for my students to have fun while learning and I believe technology will help them to have that experience.