Next Page

Computer Project

• Type of Project
• Computers in the Classroom

• Why is it important
• Computers are here and are not going to go away

• Why I chose it
• Increased the students' responsibilities for class
• Want to integrate the technology we have rather than let it sit in the room and get dusty

Original Project Plans
Create a web site for chemistry and include the following:

• Formal Class Information
• Broad Overview
• Pre-Class Notes
• List of Assignments and 'ToDos'
• Post-Class Notes
• Brief Chapter Recap - before an evaluation
• Email link to the teacher

Implementing the Project

• First day of school
• Introduced the site to students
• Initial feedback from students - MIXED
• Explained the sections and how to use them
• Explained the expectations
• Set email guidelines

Modifications to the Proposal - 1

• Pre-Class Notes from 'daily' to 'by chapter'
• Removed diagrams and left spaces for students to draw pictures in the notes
• Posted actual assignments
• All together at the end of the notes
• After the section of notes to which they correspond
• Email distribution list for assignments - students

Modifications to the Proposal - 2

• Eliminated the To Do list and maintained one in the classroom - by students
• Eliminated the Post-Class Notes
• Students used my notes when needed
• Eliminated Chapter Recaps
• Added Quick Recap section with basic material

Adding the Drop Box

• Created a 'Drop Box' on the science server
• 'write-only' - students can put in but can not take out
• only I can access all files put in the box
• Originally designed for Forensic Science
• Used for chemistry students - especially initial class activities done on the computer
• Included email on assignments for grade return

School Server and FS Labs

• Posted a series of Forensic Science labs
• Students completed the labs and dropped the write-ups in the box to be graded
• Students maintained a copy of these reports in their "51a" section on the school server
• Accessed their lab results for lab practicals

Forensic Science Final Exam

• Information on exam assignment posted on the web page
• Worked in pairs on the computer
• Given a description of a piece of evidence
• Used web information to answer questions
• Used computer to type up response
• Dropped exam in the drop box

Next Page

What About Next Year???

• Continue doing the same thing as this year
• Add in more labs on the web site
• Get another teacher to use the web site - occasionally
• Add in some physics material
• Better utilize the Drop Box
• New Drop Box options now available

Why Did It Work?

• Computer availability
• Computer Tech Support
• Administration support
• Ability to go without much sleep
• Super response from the students
• My room was away from all the other chem teachers and chem classes

Return to Main Project Page