Reflecting on What I Know - Chapter 1

According to the textbook, inquiry-based learning approaches have been implemented in the classroom for a good amount of time. While it is a good method because it allows students to create new knowledge, it should not be the sole learning approach that a teacher should use. There are other methods that integrate computers that would work well in collaboration with the inquiry-based method. For example, problem-based learning allows students to seek out the information themselves. Technology like computers would be a great method for students to find such information. Also, project-based learning prescribes that students follow a step-by-step process given by the teacher. Computers would also be useful with this method because it often involves calculating and charting.

Tutorials and drill-and-practice software still have a place in the classroom even though it seems they are not preferred. Tutorials and drill-and-practice can be effective if used in the proper manner by the teacher. According to the Online Learning Center of Saskatoon Public Schools, these types of software are good for the beginning learner. The textbook also recognizes that drill-and-and practice software works well when it provides background skills needed to solve a larger problem at hand.

It does seem that creating proper technologically integrated units of instruction will take a good amount of time to complete. However, it is made easier by following models like NTEQ. According to the textbook, NTeQ is "easy-to-follow," which should help the lesson planning process along. The texbook also notes that once created, these units of instruction can be re-formatted and re-used to fit future projects that students may work on. It seems as though the internet would also be a good resource to find units of instruction posted by other teachers that they have found to be successful.

the NTeQ model

While it would be helpful and ideal for each and every student to have their own computer to use, it is not completely necessary. A lot of collaborative learning that uses technology can be used in a group setting. Students can take turns using the computer to contribute to the group's work.