Progress towards the achievement of my GAME plan is going well with my 6-year-olds as they are quickly mastering the basics of operating the computer. These next few weeks will see them into exploring the layout of the keyboard and beginning to learn to type. They have the mouse functions down pat and are confidently opening and closing programs and web pages and locating “quick links” on our school’s website. Likewise, their abilities to express themselves through writing are improving so inputting their words into the computer is feasible in the not so distant future.
My pre-kindergarten students are not advancing as quickly as I would like them to. I may need to reassess my expectations for them; I’m just not ready to give up on their abilities just yet. I keep reminding myself of their age and that their fine motor skills are not nearly as developed as my kindergarten and first graders.
What have I learned so far? I need to be more patient and give my students time to develop. Thirty minutes a week is hardly enough time for ample practice and application of skills. I am leaning towards possibly dropping the email correspondence idea with the pre-kindergarten classes and trying something more along the lines of video conferencing instead. In doing this they will still be practicing safe procedures and having to demonstrate proper netiquette but will not have to be able to express themselves through writing.
Thoughts or suggestions?
Allison,
ReplyDeleteThere are times even as a junior high and high school teacher that I have to remember that my students have not had the experience with technology that I have had. They will eventually get there but for now I need to make sure I do not skip any steps so they do not get confused. I was wondering how many of your students have a computer at home and can practice there. Also are they able to play games on the computer at all, or is that too advanced? I was just thinking about how my mom has her little kids get on the computer and try to play some games. They seem to be the most interested in the graphics.
Jenna Enevoldsen
Jenna,
ReplyDeleteYes, my students get to play games occasionally; they are usually within a website we have used to study a concept. They do have some difficulty in that they cannot yet read the directions alone!
I'd say that about 70% of my students have access to a computer at home. It was very evident during the first two weeks of school which students had them at home and which ones did not. Those with access at home have much better mouse control and have the point and click routine down pat!
Allison,
ReplyDeleteI think that it is a great idea for the video conferencing with your pre-kindergarten students, I love the idea! I agree with you on the access at home. I can definitely tell the difference between the students that know how to use the mouse and the ones that have never seen or used such a tool! Sometimes it becomes frustrating to work with the students that have no idea, but my group this year seems to catch on pretty fast. Starfall.com is a great website to use for your students, check it out!
Amy