The other day, I listened to a parish DRE share her story of receiving several “good” used computers from parishioners who recently bought newer equipment. What does it mean to get a “good” computer. Simply – It works when it is turned on.
To get some idea of what you want a good computer to be, you may want to read how others purchase used equipment. These two articles may be helpful:
Once you have equipment to use, what can you do in a classroom with ONE-Computer? Plenty! I was recently reading Grace’s Post How to Manage a One-Computer Classroom and would like to adapt her tips to fit the religion classroom:
Tip #1: Having an agreement for using the computer in the classroom is important. Check out several of the Acceptable Use Policies and then prepare a statement for your class or program. Here are a few models to review:
Other models can be located by doing an Internet Search.
Tip#2: Place the computer in an accessible and easily supervised place. Easy access to assist students is important as well as seeing what is being done on the computer is important.
Tip #3: Have a faith project for the student to work on. Some examples of projects are:
Tip #4: Check out the videos other catechists are using in their classrooms in the Digital Catechesis Video Library (A Free Registration). Project the computer screen so the entire class can see a video you may want to use for prayer at the beginning or end of class. Or you may simply want to engage your students with vivid images, sound, or music that has a wonderful message and fits into your lesson objectives through a short video.
Tip #5: Use an auto response system. A great way catechists can engage students is to include lessons designed for group participation. With an auto response system, students can further contribute from their seats. Mouse Mischief, a FREE response system that uses multiple wireless mice, allows teachers to integrate surveys, polls, questions, and drawing activity slides into PowerPoint. (Grace)
Tip #6: Give some thought and planning to what can we done with ONE computer in your classroom. Do a Google Search using “one computer classroom,” “one computer classroom ideas,” or “one computer classroom activities” will provide a wealth of resources to explore, like – One Computer Classroom.
If you have found yourself saying, “We’ll never have a computer in the classroom – it’s just beyond our budget.” Now challenge yourself with, “If we had just ONE computer in our classroom, what could we possibly do to engage our students to learn more about their faith by using technology as a supportive part of our teaching?
I would love to hear your stories of how you are engaging your students with just ONE computer in your classroom. You are invited to share your stories here!
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©2012, Caroline Cerveny