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10/10/2005: "Rm210 Raquel Lopez- Finding a webpage"

Overview
This class was more successful with the initial procedure. This gave me the confidence in them to allow them to connect to a web page. We only had to repeat the room entering procedure once. In general, this was very much like the previous lesson with Mr. Horan's class. I expanded the metaphore of the spider's web to include a drop of water. The water strikes a fly in the web and travels along the web to another fly. The water represents a web page or an email message traveling over the internet.

Class activity
With 10 minutes left in class, I decided to allow the students to use the computers. I made this decision based upon their curiosity and attentiveness. I tried to describe what I wanted them to do before asking them to do it. I realized later that perhaps I didn't give them enough advanced notice. In reality, I was freewheeling and creating the activity as I went along. I believe that if I had prior knowlege of the acitvity, I could have made a clearer presentation. The students were told/shown how to login, open a web browser, and go to dictionary.com.

For next time
I would have liked to go into greater depth on the subject of electronic transmission, but I thought that by participating, the students would be able to retain more of the lesson. Maybe there will be an opportunity next time. It may be a topic too advanced for them just yet. However, I may have time to skim over what a file is /actualy/ made out of.

I noticed that when I unleashed the computer usage, there was much more chaos. Some boys opened chess instead, and it was frustrating to hem in all of the students. I was initially skeptical of the intense restrictions I placed on the computers, but now I understand the havoc that too many options can have on the flow of the computer activity. The temptation proved to great for some. However, I was encoraged that nearly all of the students were able to experience the gratification of loading a web page. There were several technical difficulties that I hope to look into tommorow.

Exiting procedure
I realize upon reflection that I need to clearly state the proper way to leave the class room. I was very impressed with the dignity achieved by the enforcement of entering procedures. However, there is less of an incentive to act appropriotely when the students are heading out the door. I am curious how I will devise some incentive that is relevant to the behaviour desired.