Some people say drill and practice is really "drill and kill." What can teachers do to make sure this kind of use doesn't happen and drill and practice can serve a useful function?
It is very easy for a teacher to misuse drill and practice. Teachers should try to identify the needs that drill and practice can meet. Then use software in ways that will take advantage of its capabilities. One way to avoid "drill and kill" practices is to establish a certain amount of time of devotion for drill and practice, 10 - 15 minutes per day. This will ensure that students will stay actively engaged in the activity without becoming bored and they will retain the concept of the drill. Another great strategy is learning stations. This is a very effective way to practice drills and serve students with identified weaknesses in one or more key skills. It allows the students to move around the room practicing more than one skill that is best matched to their specific learning needs. This brings me to my next strategy for effectively utilizing drill and practice, which is that most drills are designed to allow self pacing and personalized feedback when it is assigned individually. The problem with this strategy is that most classrooms do not have enough computers to make sure everyone can drill and practice by themselves. Drill and practice activities on the computer can replace worksheets and really motivate the students to enjoy what they are being taught. It can be very beneficial for the students.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Discussion-Week 11
Some educators feel that distance learning technologies will greatly improve education; some feel education will suffer if they are overused. What are factors you can site in support for each of these positions?
Distance Learning has improved education in many ways. One way is that it allows student's to correspond with other students in other parts of the world instantly. Students no longer have to send letters through mail to correspond with friends abroad. They can utilize these broadcast technologies that are now available. The book mentions the Go North! Adventure Learning utilizing videoconferencing which is live video and audio communications. This technology can be very beneficial in student learning. The use of the Internet has become an excellent tool for students to use to search for materials and information to support their research and production work. The online tutorials are very helpful to students and teachers as well. Teachers can utilize these online tutorials for students that need a reteach or to supplement a skill already taught while he/she works with a small group that might need more help on a skill.
On the other hand, distance learning has caused many issues to arise. The book discussed virtual schooling issues which include curriculum alignment, teacher certification, accreditation, funding and possible negative consequences. It is difficult to align virtual curriculum when the students are all from different states. Many people are not successful with online courses and students tend to drop out more in online environments. Being online can interfere with students being able to develop healthy relationships with other students. It can also impede their socialization skills. They become isolated in their own little world.
Distance Learning has improved education in many ways. One way is that it allows student's to correspond with other students in other parts of the world instantly. Students no longer have to send letters through mail to correspond with friends abroad. They can utilize these broadcast technologies that are now available. The book mentions the Go North! Adventure Learning utilizing videoconferencing which is live video and audio communications. This technology can be very beneficial in student learning. The use of the Internet has become an excellent tool for students to use to search for materials and information to support their research and production work. The online tutorials are very helpful to students and teachers as well. Teachers can utilize these online tutorials for students that need a reteach or to supplement a skill already taught while he/she works with a small group that might need more help on a skill.
On the other hand, distance learning has caused many issues to arise. The book discussed virtual schooling issues which include curriculum alignment, teacher certification, accreditation, funding and possible negative consequences. It is difficult to align virtual curriculum when the students are all from different states. Many people are not successful with online courses and students tend to drop out more in online environments. Being online can interfere with students being able to develop healthy relationships with other students. It can also impede their socialization skills. They become isolated in their own little world.
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