This website gives 5 topics that will help the individual trouble shoot problems that arise while using computers. The five topics are Common Input/Output Devices, Internet and Networking, SmartBoard and Projectors, Microsoft Office Applications, and Printers and Scanners. After clicking each link it will give you the information that will help you fix any problem that comes up when using these items on the computer. Having the information and being able to fix the errors yourself will free the technology coordinator's time, so he or she will be able to focus on helping the teachers use 21st century skills in the classroom.
A Computer for Every Student and Teacher: Lessons Learned
about Planning and Implementing a successful 1:1 Learning Initiative in Schools
Every teacher and student in twelve high schools will receive a laptop with wireless connection to the internet. The goal for this initiative is," to improve teaching practices; increase student achievement; and better prepare students for work, citizenship, and life in the 21st century."(Corn,Oliver,Hess, Halstead,Argueta, Patel Tingen,Huff 1). This study started in 2008 and lasted 3 years. Surveys, focus groups, and classroom observations were used to assess how well the initiative was going and what needed to be fixed to make it better. Teachers received the laptops first so they will be able to receive PD, while the students received them on a later time. Wireless access was a problem, because many schools had to be redesigned with wireless access. Lenovo, Apple, Hewlett-Packard, and Dell were the brands of laptops that the schools choose from. These computers had the access to learning tools such as Word, Web page editors, E-mail applications, and Video editing tools. Schools incorporated guide lines that were set up to govern student usage. Support personnel were utilized to help students and teachers. The support personnel had the duty to, "conducted professional development, troubleshooting equipment and software issues, modeling technology use and co-teaching. They also reported maintaining open communication with district technology staff as part of their regular routine."(11) Professional development was offered to teachers in a variety of areas, examples are; lesson planning sessions, classroom management and policy issues, and differentiated levels. Students were excited with this initiative because it gave them the chance to interact with peers more, engage in educational websites and games, access to study assistants, and to gain information for research projects. Students having the computers were preparing them for a society where it is more globally connected, and technological advanced. Reflection
A simple restart of the computer will fix the problem that pops up in the classroom. Teachers should know the simple fixes for simple problems. Teachers need to know how to fix the common error in Microsoft Office and the everyday technology based problems in the classroom. The reason why I feel so strongly about this is that the technology coordinator may not always be present immediately and if the teacher is able to solve the problem, the classroom flow will not be interrupted by the technology coordinator entering the classroom or the error presenting itself during class.
I would love to be part of a pilot program that would place 1:1 with student to computer ratio. I think this would be enjoyable because the teachers are part of the culture change of education, it is giving the students the tools to educate themselves and go at their own pace. In other words, giving the students freedom to educate themselves. I especially love the note taking and video editing tools that are programmed on the computer. I also loved the idea on how to overcome the problem if the student doesn't receive a laptop or forgets their's at home. The way this will be fixed is by a term they used called "laptop buddies". This is where a student can borrow a laptop from another student, or that student is grouped with other students who also do not have a laptop.
Activity
| Problem | Solution and student solution |
| There is no sound coming out of the speakers on the student computers.
|
Make sure the speakers are
plugged in and the power is turned on.
There should be a green light that shows the power is on. If there is power and still no sound coming from the speakers, you should then go to the control panel and locate
the icon, “sounds and audio", following
the advanced prompts.
If neither of these works,
contact the technology coordinator for a new set of speakers.
I am able to teach the students the
proper way to connect the speakers if this needs to be done. Most computers have internal speakers and
there should be no reason why students need to change this.
|
I can't connect to the
network.
|
Double check that the FJ-45
cable is plugged in and the green light is shown. Make sure you are typing in
the correct username and password, and that the CAPS button is either on or
off. Most passwords are case sensitive. Be sure that you are not logged into
another computer; most networks allow you to be logged onto one computer at a
time.
Educate the students on the correct way
to join the network and to memorize their username and password. The students should recite the correct
username and password and steps to the teacher before they get the
computer.
|
My computer keeps freezing
up on me.
|
The computer is usually low
on memory and you should contact the technology coordinator. A simple patch could fix the problem. A plug-in such as Adobe Flash, Javascript,
and ActiveX could be used to fix the problem.
If neither of these fixes work, then malware or a virus could be in
the system. Running an anti-virus
program can solve this problem.
The network should be updated with the
latest anti-virus programs and students will not need to worry about the
update. If the computer keeps freezing
up for the student he or she will need to contact the teacher or contact the correct teacher that will help them solve the problem.
|
My printer won't print.
|
Make sure the cables are
connected, and consult the program manual to see what cables are needed to connect
the printer and computer. Also double
check the correct printer driver is up on the computer.
Tell the student to double check that they are selecting the correct printer to print from. Also check the printer to see if it needs
paper or toner added to it. They
should have a printer that is their default printer, so all printed items go
to the same printer
|
My SMARTboard pens aren't
working.
|
Make sure the light is green
and if it is not you need to reset the SMARTboard by placing a pencil or pen into the small hole and holding the red
button down until all 4 pen holders blink and the red light turns to
green. Make sure all the pens are in
the tray and pick any color and use on the board.
Model for the students how this can be done, and students can do it when
you are teaching. This will limit
classroom distraction. Name one of the
student to be the “go to person” that performs the duties to reset the
SMARTboard when needed.
|
Self Assessment
Summary paragraphs - There is one summary paragraph per reading. Each paragraph is substantial and well developed. . Good 5/5
Reflection paragraph(s) -One or more reflection paragraphs are substantial, well-developed and show deep thinking about the readings. 5/5 Good
Quality of Writing - Writing contains no more than 1 spelling or grammar mistakes. Writing is very clear and the organization is superior. . 5/5 Good
Connections to readings - Reflection paragraph(s) make a strong and coherent connection to each reading. 5/5 Good
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