There are many different parts to reading... phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, and comprehension. Students don't start comprehending until they have all the
previous parts in place!
In the same way, there are basic fundamental skills that need to happen while using a computer. I'm anxious to start projects using technology, but it takes my students awhile to type.
I'm trying to find the balance with fundamentals on the computer
and engaging computer-based projects.
I want them to be fluent on the keyboard,
but I don't want to spend all our time doing
meaningless typing activities.
It's a slow process, but we are inching our way towards something good..
just wish it would come a little sooner.
With my little K kids, I use Type to Learn, Jr. I also try to find other ways to get them to practice typing without a rote memorization format. It is important for them to have some drill and practice so they can repeatedly focus on using the right keys with the right fingers. My class is fascinated by my typing, which always makes me laugh. I keep telling them it is so important and that they will be typing like me long before 9th grade (when I learned!).
ReplyDelete