E-Learning Activity B (sheng zhi)

In general, Mrs Xing suffered from the following problems:

1) Some students were operating the computers without permission early on in the class
2) Some students were not clear of the instructions
3) Computers not working
4) Mrs Xing could not catch the attention of the students because of the computer screens
5) Mrs Xing was the bottleneck of the session
6) Students who finish earlier disturb those that have not
7) Many students gave slipshod work

Intervention strategies to help solve or prevent these problems:

1) Recce the computer lab at least two days before the session, find out the arrangment of computers in the lab and take note of any particular seating arrangements for the students. Meet the lab tech to enquire about any faulty computers, lighting, chairs, tables and request that he be present for the first 15 minutes of the session.

2) In the period before the computer lab session, list down the Dos and Donts in class, make sure that the students are clear of the rules in the computer lab, such as do not operate the computer without the teachers permission, do not run about and disturb others, etc..

3) Give out worksheets that has instructions on how to operate the computer and how to locate and how to operate the software also in the lesson beforehand. Prepare more copies in case students forget to bring on that day.

4) If the seating arrangement allows, form them into groups and select one from the group who is conpetent in computer to be the leader. He will be in charge of maintaining discipline of the group and troubleshooting

5) At the start of the session, highlight the rules again on the screen and take note that the students are in their assigned seats (Chai & Wang, 2009).

6) If possible download softwares that gives the teacher master control of all the students' screen. If that is not possible, instruct them to turn over their mouse with the flat side facing upwards to hinder anyone from surfing the internet without permission. (Secondary Video)

7) Go through the topic to be written carefully, provide scaffolding and give guiding questions. (When did the memorable outing happen? Who was there with you? What happended? How did it happen? Why was it memorable?) This is to prevent students from going off-topic.

8) The teacher instructs the class to switch on the computers and report any faulty ones to the lab tech immediately. Assign them to free computers or take out a piece of paper to write their draft.

9) Prepare visual aids for them to catch the attention of the teacher such as coloured cups. The teacher can also signify certain actions that the class should look up and pay attention, such has dimming the lights. (Secondary Video)

10) Encourage peer editing. Let students learn from their classmates mistakes. Students can learn to rectify simple vocab and grammatic errors.

11) Teacher can then check for coherency and the flow of the essay, shortens the time for editing each draft.

12) Prepare worksheets, quizzes or crosswords for those that finish early to keep them occupied.

13) Remind students along the session to check for coherency and keep to the topic "A memorable outing"

References
E.D.T. Secondary Video
Chai C.S. & Wang Q.Y. (2009). ICT: For Self-Directed And Collaborative Learning. Pearson.