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Lorraine Shott What do you teach at Hardyston Elementary? 5th grade. What elements of the Learner-Active, Technology Infused Classroom have you incorporated into your classrooms? I have incorporated into my classroom the following LATIC elements; a PBL task and rubric, use of an activity sheet, research using the Web, MS Word, peer tutoring, mini lessons, how-to sheets, and the development of an overarching scaffold for learning. What have your experiences with Problem-Based learning been? PBL has allowed me to conduct long-term projects with my class. There has been some frustration with only having two computers in the room, but I make sure other resources are also available for research. PBL let's me "step outside the box"! What ways do I use technology for many reasons. My students use Microsoft Word for word processing and note taking (which has been very helpful for some of my classified children), and use the Internet for research and WebQuests as well. What is the hardest challenge about implementing Problem-Based Learning activities in your classes? The first challenge is coming up with an idea for the activity. I might find lessons on the Internet that I adapt for my students or create my own. Writing and developing rubrics can be a challenge as well, but having a scaffold helps me - I simply fill in many of the blanks. Another challenge I face is conducting more than one PBL in a day (I have two Language Arts classes). My head can spin, but I like it that way! Time is another challenge. What is the best thing about implementing Problem-Based Learning activities in your classes? Watching the children develop their plan of action is the best! They are on a mission, and many of them drive themselves to be an 'expert'. Observing their work on the way to the final product is satisfying, too. The students have gained independence, knowledge, and a sense of belonging! What are your goals for your classroom? I I would like to hand my children a PBL task, and have them develop their own time schedule. I think it is important to see them to set goals and come up with a schedule of due dates. It will help them take on more responsibility for their own learning! Copyright © 2002 IDE Corp. All rights reserved. |
you use technology in your classroom?