Barbara-- The vast majority of interactions in our afterschool centers
involved 2-3 participants at one
computer. Some game consoles allow multiple participants and even at a
keyboard with a mouse, very
interesting divsions of labor leading to cross-talk of a problem solve sort
is routine. Such outcomes can
be enhabed by making the work at the computer link to other tasks, such as
writing up something or
conbributing to some sort of group project that is not computer-bound. One
lonely kid at one computer
is the least pedagogically attractive alternative in most cases. That, at
least, is my experience.
mike
On 6/14/05, B Smith <bsmith2530@rogers.com> wrote:
>
> Dear folks on xmca,
> I am really interested in reading studies that speak to
> two students using one computer. When our Board of Governors granted us
> funds for a laptop cart with 10 computers, I was thrilled at the opportunity
> to promote more partner collaboration on various classroom inquiries. If we
> received funding for a full class set, my teachers would have naturally
> moved into the "teach the individual" mode, but I see this as a great
> opportunity. Working one machine to one students is not an opportunity for
> co-construction of knowledge.
> Very eager to read or hear more about pedagogically sound reasons why this
> can be a rich and rewarding experience.
> Barbara Smith
> The Sterling Hall School
> Toronto, Canada
>
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