21: Instructional Strategies for Teaching Computer Applications

Welcome to Season 3, the 21st episode of 'The Art of Teaching Business' Podcast, where we explore the world of teaching business education classes. I'm your host, Denise Leigh, a veteran business education teacher with 28 years in the classroom and a finalist for the 2022 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year award.

This podcast is the final podcast of a 3-part series about instructional strategies for your Computer Applications class.

Show rundown and timestamps:

Instructional Strategies Overview [00:00:49]

Discussion of instructional strategies and techniques for teaching computer applications.

Introduction of the main focus: guided instruction, application, technology playground, brain breaks.

• Guided Instruction [00:01:39]

  Definition and importance of guided instruction.

  Classroom setup and management techniques.

  Examples of guided instruction for teaching new concepts like spreadsheets.

• Application [00:07:24]

  Explanation of application as an instructional strategy.

  Importance of setting clear expectations and deadlines.

  Examples of application tasks like formatting in MS Word or Google Slides.

• Technology Playground [00:09:24]

  Importance of giving students time to explore and play with technology.

  Examples include Google Earth activities and creative assignments.

  Recommended frequency and timing for technology playground sessions.

• Brain Breaks [00:13:37]

  Description of brain breaks to provide creative opportunities.

  Examples of engaging activities like Google Earth scavenger hunts and creating digital kiosks.

  Importance of switching instructional strategies to keep students engaged.

• Google Sites Project [00:21:48]

  Detailed explanation of a Google Sites project as an example of mixing strategies.

  Guided instruction for interface familiarization.

  Application tasks with daily expectations and creativity.

• Final Thoughts and Teaching Philosophy [00:24:58]

  Emphasis on the importance of varying instructional strategies.

  Encouragement to make lessons engaging and avoid predictability.

  Conclusion.

Resources mentioned in this podcast:

1️⃣⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Google Sites

2️⃣ ⁠Keyboarding/Typing Fun Files Bundle
3️⃣ ⁠Computer Applications - Google Full Course Bundle⁠

4️⃣ ⁠Microsoft Applications Course Bundle

5️⃣ Hot Cocoa Stand - Google Slides

6️⃣ Holiday Living Room - Google Slides

Here is a link to the entire ⁠Computer Applications Lessons⁠ category in my store.

My TpT Store is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Business Education with Denise Leigh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

My blog is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.business-ed.com⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Subscribe to my ⁠⁠podcast to be notified when new episodes drop!

If you liked this episode, throw me a like and leave a review!

Thanks for listening!