Learner Autonomy and the One-computer Classroom - Week 7

I do not have the possiblity to do a one-computer classroom lesson. However, I can take three of my classes to the computer lab and have them sit in half a circle with a computer in the middle. It might work with a small class of about 13 students. I shall have to see about that. It would be great to have at least a projector for the board but one must take whatever there is and do the best with it.
I plann to try it with the book report ppp and see how it goes.

As for learner autonomy - I wish my kids would want to be autonomous. It is a process that I intend to insist upon, because I think this is the best way they will be able to internalize what they learn.
I had a very interesting week - autonomy wise:

The first experience was with my 10th graders. We learned in the computer lab. They all connected to Nicenet and I directed them to the link that can help them practice for next week's test. Sure, some of them didn't work or only "half" worked, but at least they showed me that they know how to connect to the site and find the link they need. They tried but I know that they need close personal help. Unfortunately, I can do that in a limited way when I have to attend to all. In spite of this, most of them did work and showed interest. It was a very fulfilling experience.

The second experience was with my difficult 8th graders. I decided to give it a try - again - and do a "pre-WebQuest" activity that will prepare them to what their project will be and how they will have to proceed with it.

I started the lesson in our regular classroom. There, I explained what we are going to do. I showed them a picture of the first page of the WQ and explained it in general. I described the lesson we are going to have which is the very similar to the lesson plan I wrote for the course - Search for map of their neighborhood, write down the directions for getting from their home to school. They had to work in pairs because there are not enough computers for everyone. I did not have a chance to show them the evaluation rubric for it because they were too agitated. Furthermore, the last time I tried to explain it to them and maybe get them to contribute to it too, they did not show any interest.

It was more than I expected. Most of the kids liked to idea to find their homes. The class was very noisy but mostly in a positive way. When they finished their task they enjoyed looking at the pictures of their homes and showed each other.

I hope this will encourage them to work better.

Me - I got a headach and enjoyed it very much.