National Film Board

In celebration of their anniversary, The National Film Board of Canada is providing the chance to view hundreds of their cinematic treasures.  From the Log Driver's Waltz to The Sweater, these short films can be viewed online free of charge.  A great supplement to any curriculum.

Click here for The National Film Board of Canada

Computer Lab Tips

Here are a few tips for making the most of your time in the computer lab (courtesy of your wcdsb IT department).

1. Procedures for demonstrating to the whole class:  Consider introducing a web site or software program as a whole class with the lab monitor or projector before having student work on their own.  If you have a student operate the PC, you can be free to walk around.  This is also a way to preview problems students may have with the site or program.
   
2. Prepare students for what they will be learning and what will be expected of them.
3. Designate students to be lab assistants for certain projects.
4. Have a procedure for distributing CD's, memory sticks, etc., if they are needed.
5. Any students who abuse their privilege at the computer should immediately be removed from the computer for a period of time.  This will only have to happen a few times for student to know that you mean it!
6. Assign a couple of students to give the lab a final check when your class leaves (chairs pushed in, programs/internet closed, CD's returned, log-in screen up.
7. Have a clear and acceptable method for students to get your attention: 

• each student gets a red plastic cup and when they are in trouble, they are to put it on top of the monitor so you can clearly see who needs your help;
  
• students are to ask their neighbour or class monitor for assistance;
• ASK-3B4-ME may be a policy to introduce if you want to encourage this.

Integrating Technology

Technology should not be a subject taught in isolation.  Instead, technology needs to be integrated within the context of the Ontario Curriculum.  There are several expectations in the curriculum, which clearly require the use of technology.  As well, there are other expectations that could be taught by integrating technology.  The following is a list of steps that teachers might consider following when planning to integrate technology into their lessons:

1. Choose the topic of your lesson while referring to the related curriculum document.  You may also choose an existing lesson.
2. Decide on the expectations that will be taught in the lesson.
3. Identify the expectations to be taught that require the use of technology.  As well, determine whether or not there are other expectations that could be taught by using technology.
4. Decide on the type of technology to be used as well as the instructional strategies to be used.  (i.e. Will the teacher being demonstrating a concept on the LCD projector or will every student be working on their own individual computer?)  The Curriculum Link to Ministry Software may be useful when gathering your resources.
5. Refer to the board's Technology Literacy Continuum, which states technology expectations for each grade level.  Decide on the technology expectations that you will be addressing and/or evaluating in your lesson.
6. Decide on the series of steps that will be used to teach the lesson.  Be sure to consider your assessment, as well as accommodations and modifications.
7. After teaching the lesson, reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of the lesson.  (i.e. Will you use technology to teach this lesson in the future?)

Happy New Year!

Welcome back everyone! I hope you enjoyed your time with family and friends.

I am working on the final week of my computer course (yea!), and it has got me thinking. How do you use your one (or two) computer classroom? It is time to blow the dust off the keyboard or do you use your computers in a creative way that helps to motivate your students? The internet can be a great resource when planning how to use technology in your classroom. Just google "one computer classroom" to get started, or check our my links below. Make it your New Years Resolution to incorporate computer technology into your lessons as least one time this month. Good luck!

http://eduscapes.com/tap/topic84.htm

http://webtech.kennesaw.edu/jcheek3/onecomputer.htm

http://www.uen.org/utahlink/tours/tourFames.cgi?tour_id=13812