Classroom Tips for Teaching with Software
from Neil MacQueen, Sunday Software

Every month I put teaching tips in my free email newsletter. Every year in my September email newsletter I summarize my favorite tips for teaching with software. (Previewing your software and having a lesson plan are assumed!)

Here are my THREE TOP TIPS starting with my #1 All-Time Best Tip

#1. Write out the Lesson Agenda for All to See

• Write out each step in the lesson

• Write out Questions for the Day

• Summarize the Bible verse

• List the software and include software navigational tips, do's & don'ts
   

This simple act of writing it out at the beginning of each lesson will:

• Organize YOUR thoughts at the start of the class

• Put the STUDENTS at-ease about "what are we going to do?"

• Bring your HELPERS up to speed and give them something to refer to

Traditionally, the teacher has a cribsheet or manual in front of them which gives THEM a sense of structure and direction. The students need the same thing! Not knowing what's coming up, or what's expected of them, can create a sense of anxiety. Lacking expectations, some students will try to get in the driver's seat.  This is especially true in the computer lab where they can't wait to get to the computers! 

For non-readers, I'll still write out things on the board, often using simple words and pictures to the same effect.

Such a simple thing! ...and such a powerful way to introduce a lesson.
 

2. Tips on the Bible Study "BEFORE" the Bible Software

Some software programs are designed to introduce the Bible story and provide the notes & questions, quizzes & reflections within the software. Abraham & Sarah, Ten Commandments, and Elijah & Jonah CD are good examples of those types of programs. In many way, these programs are a complete lesson plan, -minus the awesome you.

OTHER software programs are designed to be used AFTER your Bible study. Let's Talk CD, Bible Crosswords CD and Cal & Marty's Scripture Memory Game CD are good examples of that type of software. They are the "activity" after the formal study. (Not sure which programs are which type? Read their descriptions, or ask Neil.)

EVEN IF the software has the entire story presented in it, it's always a good idea to start your lesson by opening the story in your printed Bible. This is especially true of younger children who need to associate the software's story with "The Bible", and for those children who need to work on their Bible mechanics.

As with every Bible study, it is important to help students understand the larger context of the passage they are studying (who, what, when, where). I will often use a Bible map at this point in the study, even if the software provides one. Sometimes I will access a Bible map from a software program.

But....Even if we are not going to read the entire passage from the book (because the software will provide it), I will often ZERO-IN on key verses, and introduce questions or concepts (which I will add to the Lesson Agenda I have written on the board for all to see).

As we examine the story on the page, I will also say things like, "Look for this key verse/idea in our software, and when you see it, wave your hand crazily." (or some other wacky signal)

Btw...I have an interesting article summarizing a nationally known educator's tips and techniques for "how to read with your students". "Great Teachers Lead Great Reading Sessions" can be found at http://sundayresources.net/neil/2010/10/02/4-great-teachers-lead-great-reading-sessions/

Caution: Some teachers don't mind BORING Bible study because they plan on following it up with something fun, such as software.** This dis-interests and demoralizes your students. Instead, make your Bible study animated. Do re-enactments, use puppets, or read with character voices, --all to make it memorable and come alive.

[**This ticks me off about the approach seen in a lot of printed curric, -the idea that the "activity" is what we do to REVIVE our kids after a boring Bible study! Shouldn't be that way.]

3. Remember the First Subject of Every Lesson

The first subject of every lesson is
WHY SHOULD I CARE ABOUT THIS STORY?

Underneath this is the question, "WHY AM I HERE?"
And, "Do I want to participate?"
(Many students would rather be somewhere else.)

This is similar to the "Life Application Step" found in most lessons, but I do NOT leave it to the END of class to address it. I put it right up front. I discuss reasons WHY they should care to be engaged.

Too many teachers and lesson plans wait until the end to 'reveal' the point of the lesson. I tell my students AT THE BEGINNING what I hope they will find.

 

I first got interested in teaching with computers because it instantly and dramatically answered the question: "Do I want to?" with an emphatic "yes!"  The rest is all in how we make the most of this wonderful opportunity.

 

More Help:

I've written a number of articles at www.sundaysoftware.com/articles for specific circumstances, including:

• How to Stretch Older Kids Software Down to Younger Kids   (www.sundaysoftware.com/adapting-down.htm)

• Pre-teens & Middle Schoolers at the Computer

• Teaching with 3d Game Style Bible Software

• Starting a Software Lesson, Relational Teaching and more tips from a previous year's summary

• TEACHER TRAINING PAMPHLET  ...print or customize it and give to every computer lab teacher

My book, Teaching with Computers in Christian Education, also has a TON of lab-set-up advice and advice for teachers. www.sundaysoftware.com/book.htm

View my software recommendations

View my free articles

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