The first two weeks of data collection has been very rewarding, and I can now see my project coming together. I have been conducting mainly observations the first two weeks of data collection. The third grade class that comes to the computer lab only comes two days a week. I wanted to see their reactions as they used the program for the first time, and see if they were still excited in the second week. I showed the students on my smart board how the software works before they went to their seat. They were able to get on the software program with little programs, and became engaged in the software. I saw students working on math, language arts, and science problems. They were having fun and learning with this software. The students asked me repeatedly if they were going to get on the program the next time they came to class. The students were working on their typing lessons before they started this program. They were using Mavis Beacon an excellent typing program, but it can get tedious when they are learning how to type. I wanted to use the Jumpstart 3rd grade software program between typing lessons. The main thing that I observed where the students expressions and what they said to themselves while working on Jumpstart 3rd grade. I saw students that had facial expressions that were very excited to be working on this program. I heard students muttering this is neat as I walked past their desks. I felt that this observation was very rewarding, because it supported everything that I am trying to accomplish with this research project.
Comments (7)
Looks like things are working out well for you, and that your observations are very good-picking up little details like facial expressions and the mutterings of students. I do have a few questions about the typing program, however. Are you going to use that as a comparison with the program you are focusing on? And can you elaborate a bit on the phrase "it can get a bit tedious" when refferring to the typing program? (It may jsut be my confusoin over not knowing the typing's place in the study, so forgive me if it's redundant).
The observation over time, watching carefully for for fading enthusiam, is an excellent idea, and crucial to your data collection. Is this something you keep track of throughout the observation period? And how have the student reacted to your observations?
Excellent details regarding the sope of your observations.
Posted by john harrington | March 21, 2009 9:50 AM
Posted on March 21, 2009 09:50
It is great to hear that your data collection is going well thus far. It is always very rewarding to hear students enjoying what they are working on and that they are excited to come to class. I have the same reaction with my students and my students participating in my reasearch. They all look forward to using technology and they are always asking what are we doing next and when will we be using it next.
Hope the remainder of your project goes as well.
Posted by Kristen Clark | March 22, 2009 1:20 PM
Posted on March 22, 2009 13:20
I agree with what John said. It's great that you are noticing their facial expressions and hearing the muttering. Watch to see if that fades as they progress or if it remains consistent. I didn't even know they had a typing program for little kids! Shows what I know, I obviously need to get in the schools more. This fall is my chance since my little one starts Kindergarten and we start our internships!
Posted by Sherry Fender | March 22, 2009 8:20 PM
Posted on March 22, 2009 20:20
This sounds like it is working out great for you. Hopefully it will continue to go well. Technology interests most children and keeps them engaged for long periods of time. Good luck with the rest of your data collection.
Posted by Shannon Mosteller | March 23, 2009 10:56 AM
Posted on March 23, 2009 10:56
I'm definitely glad to see you having positive results, not only because it's helpful to you project but also because I know how important your students are to you. I'm quite sure that you want to offer them anything you can to help them learn. As someone else said, I'll be curious to see if they continue to react as positively. That'd be a sure sign that you were using the right software. Good luck!
Posted by Kate Whyte | March 23, 2009 9:11 PM
Posted on March 23, 2009 21:11
What a keen observer you are! There is a lot going on in the lab, so I commend you for being able to be attuned to body language, voices, and even computer activity. Way to go!
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Posted on March 25, 2009 12:22
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