Utilizing the One-Computer Classroom to achieve Learner Autonomy:
Mine is a no computer classroom. However, from the
initiation of this course, I have felt the need to introduce my students to the
amazing world of learning through technology. To this effect, I have got the
authorities in my school to allow me to conduct my English classes in the
computer laboratory when other classes are not using it. Hence, it is now
possible to take the advantage of one computer with internet connectivity and
five other computers without internet.
To derive maximum advantage from the facilities available, I
regularly divide my students into groups and ask one group to research something
while the others get to use the other computers. This has helped my students to
become faster as they know that they have an allotted time in front of the
computer. It has also made them more responsible and respectful of others’ needs.
I found the following two articles very informative. They
were both related to the various ways in which the one-computer classroom can
become more effective. Glori Chaika’s article “How to Thrive-Not Just
Survive-in a One-Computer Classroom” (URL: http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech092.shtml) suggested various to utilize the single computer available in a classroom. The article from Teacher Tap-"The One Computer Classroom" (URL: http://eduscapes.com/tap/topic84.htm)
also put forward many ideas related to the topic.
I planned a lesson which would help in making my students more
autonomous learners utilizing the concept of the one-computer classroom. The lesson
plan, which is about writing a movie review, is available at (URL: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oGrEZjBRnup3Y8gMXg62kWIG6vW7-gg9CMtdMai2ecg/edit).
Using Mobile Devices to achieve
Learner Autonomy:
Integrating technology into learning makes it interesting
for the students. If technology that students are already familiar with are
used to impart education, then learning becomes enjoyable.
Mobile Devices can be used to bring about autonomous
learning. Simple features like SMS, emailing, web chatting or moblogging (mobile
blogging) can assist the students to learn and explore more on their own. The
article by George M. Chinnery, “Emerging Technologies: Going to the MALL:
Mobile Assisted Language Learning” (URL: http://llt.msu.edu/vol10num1/emerging/default.html)
lists many ways to use mobile devices in promoting autonomous learning.
Similarly, in Larry Ferlazzo’s edublog (URL: http://edvista.com/claire/pres/iphoneapps/)
one can find listed the mobile apps which assist language learning together with
their URLs.
The Power of Padlet:
We were introduced to a wonderful tool this week. It’s
called Padlet. It works as a virtual display/ bulletin board. It is so simple
to use. One just has to create a Padlet wall where the users can post articles,
links, images, videos and almost anything they wish to. It can be used by the
teacher to post assignments, notices, homework, articles, videos, etc. for the
class to see. The students can use the platform to post their project work,
submit assignments, upload their homework, personal findings or anecdotes that they
would like to share with the class. It is a tool which promotes autonomous
learning.
I uploaded a video and two articles about learner autonomy
on our class Padlet wall. Courtney challenged us to come up with an activity
where we use Padlet in a one-computer classroom and it also promotes learner
autonomy. The activity I planned for my students was related to finding about famous
authors and their writing from other countries, reading their books and then
sharing the stories with the class. I feel, such an activity encourages students
to be autonomous learners.
Thanks for Padlet, Courtney!
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