Problem Solving & Troubleshooting

Problem: Student(s) are not on task

When students are assigned a research project and Power Point presentation many teachers have trouble keeping students on task and focused on research. Often students want to begin the presentation before they start the research phase.

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Suggestions:

• Have a defined space or board "technology corner" to post procedures, troubleshooting techniques, account directions & information and technology assignments.
• Determine which students have good technology skills. They could be peer tutors or helpers. Sometimes this is not a students that customarily receives awards and this could be a boost to self-confidence. Technology staff might be able to provide additional training for these students. (At our school, students are recognized as "Student Technology Leaders" and receive additional training.)
• Require students to abide by a file naming format such as “username file description”. This way all student files will be grouped together when listed on the computer alphabetically and the user account name is readily available for the teacher if he/she wants to use the student’s public folder to return submitted work after grading.
• If students have problems setting up and formatting their documents model procedures for them. A presentation projector and screen or smart board are a huge asset in this process.
• Use public folders & drop boxes if available.
  • Public folders in student accounts can be used for student groups to share their files. This eliminates the problem when a student is absent and files are only in their account.
  • Drop boxes may be used by students to submit their work.
  • Public folder use also allows for teacher conference and frees up a student computer.
  • Use of the drop box helps with file naming & student organization.

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Suggestions:

• The AUP should include procedures for violation of policy. These should be fairly and consistently followed. Students are very aware when there will be no consequences are much more likely to push the envelope.
• Possible consequences:
  • Verbal warning
  • Written warning and a call home
  • Loss of computer privileges for a period of time (assignments must still be completed or take a zero)
  • Parent conference

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Problem:Most teachers have access to office software but are not sure what to do with it to go beyond word processing and automate use of technology. Below are some suggestions for possible uses.

Suggestions:

Presentation Software (Example: Power Point)

1. Teacher - Introduce units and lessons
2. Teacher - Create samples of excellence for students (a model)
3. Teacher - Curriculum review with sound feedback
4. Multimedia presentations – Enables use of images
5. Students - Present research
6. Present field trips – report format
7. Students create a video to teach other students
8. Presentation to sell an idea/concept/thesis
9. Incorporate video newscast by student

10. Jeopardy Game - Games & template (bottom of page) by Hardin County Teachers

Publications (Brochure, Newsletter etc.)

1. School newsletter
2. Brochure / informative pamphlets
3. Brochures for local agencies
4. Brochure of the year’s highlights as an introduction for next year's students
5. My accomplishments and goals
6. Period newsletter
7. Classroom calendar
8. Classroom posters
9. Technical manual / advertisement for invented product
10. Historical broadside
11. Invitation to a class event / thank-you / authentic writing
12. Sketchbook with poems
13. Period menu
14. Political cartoons
15. Maps

Word Processing

1. Develop the writing process (Concept map, outlines, rough draft, edit, revise, final draft, publish)
2. Concept map / planning sheets / graphic organizers
3. Creative writing – poems, fables, tall tales
4. Play scripts
5. Lab reports / scientific observations
6. Math word problems
7. Reports
8. Resume
9. Reflective journal
10. Open response questions
11. Timelines
12. Rubrics

Spreadsheet