Efficient Use of Technology as an Instructional Tool in a Learning Support Classroom

As a 4th/5th grade Learning Support teacher, I constantly feel like my classroom is a zoo. Not due to poor classroom management or unruly students, but I always feel that there are more students that need attention and academic support during the time that I am with a specific group of students providing intensive reading strategies. I do not want to enlarge the reading groups but do not know how to make the time as meaningful as possible. I have struggled with the idea of centers and seat work but I always come back to the idea that the students are not engaged or the material is not even close to being comparable to direct instruction from a teacher.

One of the largest ideas that I have developed a growing interest in is the use of technology as a resource.  I am quite fortunate to have technology plentifully available to me in my classroom so there are a few options that I have when it comes to the incorporation of technology as an instructional tool. As I have began to dip my toe in the water of possibilities, I have struggled with finding non-game centered learning. Not that having the instruction set up as a game is an undesirable thing but the resources that I have found (so far) have very little connection to learning.

What I am asking is that if any one has suggestions on whether classroom technology may or may not be a reasonable alternative to provide my students on a consistent basis to get the most "bang for their buck". Also, if there are any specific resources that you may be familiar with that hold more focus on learning while connected with the use of technology, please share.

Views: 83

Comment by Andy Petroski on March 18, 2012 at 10:10pm

What types of activities are you undertaking with the students for which you are considering technology alternatives/extenstions?

Comment by Matthew W Rogers on March 19, 2012 at 6:34am

The current "seat work" includes a math basic facts page, handwriting, reading comprehension and a fun activity.

The activities that I would appreciate discovering might include similar activities as Math Blaster for basic math skills, "correct the sentence (grammar) activities", and even a technology/keyboarding awareness activity.

I am looking for simple-to-complete activities that are engaging but not too challenging. Seeing that I have a young age range and with a variety of different ability levels, I need a flexible set of programs that could be used for grade ranges from 1st-5th.

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