Teaching Methods

This practicum was designed to increase the use of computer technologies, which would enhance student learning outcomes. The primary goal was to improve the language arts skills of third, fourth, and fifth grade students by using specific software and related activities. A secondary goal was to raise teachers ' computer comfort levels and skills. With the help of classroom teachers, software was selected and units of study were incorporated with the selected software. Software training sessions were conducted with teachers prior to using the software with their students. Teachers were also assisted in conducting computer lab sessions in which students published their writing. Positive results were perceived from the 12-week implementation. Teachers gained expertise and confidence in using computers. Students independently chose to access academic software programs, and the number of lesson plans including computer software as an instructional resource rose from less than 3% to more than 24%. Five expected outcomes are listed, all of which were met or exceeded through this practicum. Data is presented in seven tables, (Contains 19 references.) (MAS) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ******************************************V*****V** * ******:C********