Example of one-computer classroom

Since the nicenet went down I decided to follow my colleagues’ example and place the example of one computer classroom on my blog.

One computer classroom is more than familiar to me. I like using PPt during grammar classes, because

•  It grasps students’ attention.
•  Slides with different type of information keep them interested.
•  The necessary structures, rules, examples, pictures, video are included in PPt, thus less time is spent on explanation and more on practice.
• Since all the information is included in the PPt beforehand, grammar lessons are well managed, thereby the quality is higher.

I am going to describe a one-computer grammar lesson; the topic is Present Continuous (Progressive) by means of PPt.

Pre-watching activity

·         Give students some samples of texts with Pr. Cont., ask them to try to identify verbs in Pr.Cont.

While working with PPt

·         1^st slide – the structure of the simple sentence in Pr. Cont.

Subject+Verb (to be in Pr.S.+Participle 2)+Object

Ask students to have a look in sample texts again and find the verbs that were missed the first time.

·         2^nd slide – 1. Conjugation of a verb “to play” in the Affirmative form.

·         3^rd slide – 1. example with a picture or video

2. Divide the class into 3-4 teams and give each team a verb to conjugate in Pr. Cont.

·         4^th slide – exercise, the task is to use the verbs in brackets in Pr. Cont., students are to write the answers on the blackboard, to check if every student has a clear understanding of the new topic

·         5^th slide – a blank slide, meanwhile ask the students how to form Pr. Cont., or ask them in teams to share or write what they remember about Pr. Cont. affirmative form

The same work is to be done with Negative and Interrogative forms. It is required to consider the students’ level and the ability to percept new information. I would probably explain all forms to one group, but have more practice with another group/class.

Post-watching activity

During grammar classes the last activity is a game. As it helps repeat the new topic and fill in the gap between theory and a real situation. After working with Pr. Cont. I like taking “miming” game. On the strips of papers are written sentences in Pr. Cont. Each student is to draw the strip with a sentence and to show it to the class. The class is to name the action in Pr. Cont. This game is helpful, relaxing after the new grammar topic and fun!

I have recently created a PPt, the topic is Modals of Politeness Modals of Politeness

Another tool to develop one-computer classroom is the Wallwisher. I liked the idea of using the Wallwisher as a tool for language practice (proverbs, idioms, word tree derivatives, examples), described in the article by Titova.