Exploring XO: Tab 2

Associated project	,|x|Related project::x}}
Short Description	Short description::
Long Description	Description::
Status	Done::not yet started
Created	Created::
Skills needed to accomplish task	,|x|Skills needed::x}}
Hardware and software needed to complete the task	,|x|Things needed::x}}
Date the task is finished	Date finished::
Topic the task is related to	,|x|Topic::x}}
Person or persons working on the task	,|x|Contributor::x}}
Priority	Has priority::

Tab 2: Explore the XO

Here are some ideas you can use to start exploring the XO Laptops with your class:

1) Have students play with the XO on their own

Each student (and teacher) should take time to play with their XO independently. Click on buttons to open and close activities. Do not worry about breaking it. The laptops are very durable and much harder to break than traditional computers.

2) Talk about the XO as a group

Share, discuss and demonstrate what you have discovered about the XO:

• Go around the group and have each person share one thing they figured out, or have a question about.
• Record all comments on the Laptop using the WRITE program, or put it on a poster in the classroom.
• Explain (or make guesses) about the specialized keys on the keyboard, and what they do. Through these explorations, students can find many of the answers to their own questions.

3) Create an “XO Laptop Guide” poster

On a poster-board, draw the XO laptop, and add labels and explanations of some of the basic functions and programs.

• Example: “Press [picture of key] and _______ will happen.”
• Add information to the poster-board as students discover new features.
• Have children who learn the keys functions more easily help those who are having difficulty locating or pressing the keys.

4) Create your own “Laptop Usage Guidelines”

It is a very exciting to have a laptop of one’s own. Some students may have difficulty focusing on other learning activities while their computers are in front of them. Talk to students about this and work as a group to establish your own “Laptop Usage Guidelines.”

a. Brainstorm with the students about mutual respect and communication in the classroom with, and without, the laptops.

b. Write the guidelines on a poster-board, and hang it in the classroom.

c. Example Guidelines could be:

• Students must look at another student when he/she asks a question or demonstrates something on their computer.
• Students must look at the teacher and move their hands away from the keyboard whenever he/she speaks.

5) Use the Lesson Plans

Lesson Plans are included with each MaMaMedia Activity. They are there to help you understand how the activity works, and to help you think of ways you can include that activity as part of a learning unit in your class.

• Launch an activity from the MaMaMedia Activity Center.
• Look for the “Lesson Plans” button on the game interface and click on it.
• Explore the lesson ideas and pick one that you like.
• Try it on your own, try it with your colleagues and try it in your class!