Aoi’s Bookroom

It just isn’t possible for me to think over the entire year so I didn’t tackle this earlier but I can think one quarter at a time.

K-1 The objective this quarter is to teach the basics about computer use and give them some practice time. They will learn vocabulary, how to log in, how to use the mouse, how to play alphabet and other educational games, and eventually how to use the online catalog to find books. The technology integration here is obvious.
Resources needed — 1/Computers (This is also the appropriate technology tool) 2/Projector (Permanently available in my story center)
Barriers — 1/Not enough computers (students will work 2 at a computer). 2/Not enough time (I need to think carefully about how much time is needed for modeling and instruction and how much time is needed for practice). 3/Technical difficulties like internet fails or load time is extremely slow
Preparation — Since this is a very beginning class I will be modeling each step
Question/Concern — 1st graders have more experience so how should I differentiate this lesson for them?  We have new 1st graders who may not have had the same experiences.

2-3 Students are writing reports so they need to learn how to do effective online catalog searches, how to use an encyclopedia, how to search a database, how to find teacher selected websites for research.
Resources — Computers, books, encyclopedias
Barriers — Same as those for K-1
Technology Tools — How are students writing or publishing their work?  What is the product?  This is something I can discuss with the classroom teachers.  Should we explore wikis?  Is there some way for us to publish the reports on my website?
Preparation — I will model the search strategies.  The search process is clear and can be taught in the library but I’m unsure about the products or publication.  That will have to happen in the classroom and I’m not sure teachers are up to exploring technology solutions.
Question — Is there a free online encyclopedia available?

4-5  My objective is to teach them how to evaluate websites.  One group is doing author studies so I can have them evaluate those websites.  All the 4/5 students are studying human rights so I’m looking for websites that they can evaluate.  I’m considering using Surveymonkey.  They could view the site and fill out the survey.  They could learn to have 2 windows open at the same time.  They would have more fun doing the survey itself.  I think they would better remember the experience.  It would be a green activity (important in an environmental school).  I need to explore Surveymonkey more but I think if they sign in I would be able to assess their work.
Resources — 1/Computers, 2/Projector, 3/I NEED to become very much more familiar with Surveymonkey if I’m going to do this, 4/Websites to evaluate
Barriers — Same as for the other grades with the following additions:  What if I can’t find enough websites to evaluate?
Concerns — Will there be enough time?  If they don’t complete the survey will they be able to go back and complete it next week?
Technology tools — Surveymonkey
Preparation — I have a ton of things to do.  I think the modeling will go smoothly but I need to make sure I’m quick and concise but thorough.  I don’t think they’ll have any trouble with the technology process.  Will they have trouble with the actual content objective — evaluating websites?