Journal # 8

 

 

Inspiring Students with Peer Tutoring

 

By Brandy Smith

 

            This article discusses an idea that was formulated to better acquaint children with technological applications through peer tutoring. By allowing students to teach each other computer skills, they are able to strengthen their leadership, communication, and delegation skills. An idea to better acquaint children with technology was an after school tech club. In the club, there are several student leaders, or “tech kids” that are trained to facilitate technology “how-to” sessions in their third grade classrooms. These children are selected based on several different criteria, not solely on their academic or technological abilities.

            Peer tutoring allows the students to teach one another, rather than the teacher desperately trying to spend ample time instructing each individual student.  This technique allows students to work and learn technology skills collaboratively opposed to individually and in isolation. By working together, or in small groups the demand for a large number of computers is also diminished. According to Smith (2007), “If other students are able to assist their peers with technology issues, it means the teacher can focus on the learning.” The tech club was created to heighten student’s excitement and increase their knowledge in regards to technology. In doing this, they will be able to also assist their teachers when using a technology tool in the classroom setting. Smith (2007) also explains that the objectives for the club were directed by the district’s technology integration plan. This led to the appropriate integration sills necessary for this curricular area of study.

            One of the main requirements needed for peer tutoring to be successful is a teacher allowing the technological integration into the classroom. Properly integrating technology into lesson plans can often be a predicament due to teacher’s lack of knowledge of the technology or lack of resources, or lack of time to learn the basics of the specific technology. Through peer tutoring, many of these predicaments can be eliminated. The tech club and peer tutoring demonstrate how to successfully teaching technology skills can be accomplished.

 

If I were to implement a “tech club” at my school, how would I go about training the tech kids?

Each day I would choose a different skill or objective to focus on. After going through each skill slowly as a group, I would allow the students to ask any questions. I would then give them time to practice the skill that they learned while making myself available for individual questions and assistance. Then, I would test the student’s ability to complete this skill by having the students perform each skill without my assistance. Next, I would have them get into small groups to practice teaching the skill. This would help with their peer tutoring and interaction abilities.

 

Do I think that peer tutoring is useful?

Absolutely! Not only does it strengthen the knowledge of the student teachers, but also it allows the other students to learn through their peers, possibly making the learning process more interesting. I also believe that it alleviates potential stressful situations for the teacher by limiting the amount of computers needed and allowing the teacher not to feel as if they are spreading themselves too thin amongst the students. 

Journal # 7

Web 2.0: Today’s Technologies, Tomorrows Learning

Jennifer Groff & Jason Haas

 

            Social networking, games, and virtual simulations are not words that you would usually hear in the classroom. These technological applications are usually used for personal use and on ones spare time. Traditionally teachers would say that these applications would interfere with the classroom and the learning process, however, this article suggests something different.

            Social networking, simulators, and games have much more to offer in the academic world than meets the eye. Typically, individuals use social networks to keep in touch with people and meet new people through similar interests. Using social networking in the classroom can allow teachers to share grades, assignments, and even promote communication between the students through classroom discussions. According to Groff and Hass (2008), “by connecting students and teachers, they can create strong communities of practice, and essential aids to good teaching and learning. Social networking technologies help teachers and students extend their learning into an additional space for communicating, collaborating, sharing ideas, and sharing learning.” Social networking is a great way to promote interaction between students, teachers, and parents while not physically in the classroom.

            In the classroom, games have also been used to aid in instruction of material. They enable students to make decisions about work, education, community building, personal purchases and health care. Games focusing on specific subject material can work to motivate students to work toward strengthening their collaborative problem solving skills as well as the ability to recognize objectives and prioritize them. Groff and Hass explain that games require numerous additional thinking skills including weighting evidence, analyzing situations, and decision-making.

            Simulating technology can also be a great asset for teachers to use while instructing. They give students the opportunity to do things that they would normally not be able to do in the classroom. They are able to experience concepts opposed to watching it on a video or reading it in a book. For example, the article discussed how through simulations, students were able to demonstrate the principles of topics such as a forest fire or evolution. All of these technological applications allow students to gain conceptual knowledge of these experiences and it encouraged them to better understand the content of the subject matter. Additionally, technology modernizes education making it more interesting for kids. As a whole, test scores have improved in the classroom with the use of digital games and other technologies. Technology has the ability to engage students and amplify learning (Groff & Hass, 2008).

 

Are there any negative aspects in using technology in the classroom?

The use of this technology requires computers that are compatible with these applications. Due to the fact that some schools are restricted when it comes to their budget, this can sometimes be an issue. Also, there is a steep learning curve for using these applications, which might hinder the effectiveness of using these tools in the classroom. 

How can a teacher go about finding technology that will assist them in the classroom?

Teachers should first find a technology that intrest them and try it out to see what it entails. Trying it out with a college may also be beneficial, along with a website or support person that can be used as a makeshift tutorial on this specific application.