OER4Schools/3.4 Group work with ICT: Difference between revisions

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= Groupwork with computers: Seating arrangements =

By this stage we've reflected on and trialled group work quite a few times. We now look at how ICT fits into the picture.

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We now consider the role of computers in group work. Mobile computing technologies (such as netbooks or tablets) are very versatile and can be used as and when needed. By contrast, computer labs are now becoming outdated in schools as they remove technology from subject teaching and learning and from the normal classroom environment and teaching aids. Many do not even have a blackboard. Some of the issues are:

* Moving a class into the computer room is disruptive to teaching (especially in primary)

Experience shows that an island arrangement works best, ideally large hexagonal tables, but large round or square tables are fine too.  

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Discuss some of the following statements and questions:

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= Groupwork with computers: Sharing resources across groups =

[[Image:Many students behind one netbook.jpg|thumb|300px|Many students trying to use one netbook]]

[[Image:oer4s groupwork with computers2.jpg|300px|thumb|Interaction around a tablet]]

'''Access to computers: “We need more computers." '''

Many schools don’t have access to computers at all, but where schools do have access, it is often felt that there are not enough computers. How many computers would a school need? While some might say that one computer per child, or perhaps one computer per two children would be ideal, for many schools (and classrooms) this is unrealistic. In general, when you have access to computers, you should therefore make sure that the computers are used in the best way possible in your context. We now consider how to make best use of whatever computers are available during group work.

To help with this, consider the following questions:

* If you only have a few computers, it is better to operate a carousel so everyone gets a chance?  

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Having considered how computers are distributed among groups, we now consider how the computer can be shared equally within groups.  

* What would you do if there are some students who always control the computer, while other group members never get to use it?  

* Would you say that it is sensible to mix computer-literate pupils with novices?  

* How will you ensure they help rather than dominate their peers?

{{ednote|text=You should discuss strategies for access to computers within the group, i.e. rotating access to trackpad. You could also discuss the benefits of using tablets or putting computer screen flat (where this is possible).  

= Groupwork with computers: The role of non-ICT resources =

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= Planning a lesson using groupwork and ICT =

{{ednote|text=Ensure that you have plenty of time for this task to be planned!

* Consider how the computers will be swapped between groups, and between pupiles within a group, to ensure that there is effective access for everybody.

Try out your groupwork with ICT. As the week progresses, the teachers within each grade should share the experiences. That is to say, if you are the first teacher to teach this lesson, meet your colleagues afterwards, and discuss with them how it went, and what improvements could be made.

Video some of the groupwork if you can (ideally a colleague can do this for you so they can capture you as well as the pupils) and upload it to the server.