One/Three Classroom Computer Ideas

Room Arrangement

• Easy student access
• Easy teacher access for presenting, modeling, and process writing etc.
• Away from direct sunlight, water, magnets, and chalk dust
• Easily supervised
• Provide enough space for small group interaction

Management / Scheduling

• Consider equity
• Sample methods are:
  • Use 3 x 5 recipe card file with student names to identify computer users for each day. Have students cycle through to complete project. (Color coding Monday through Friday with student names many be helpful.)
  • Take weekly schedule and assign open blocks to students.
• Consider the project when allowing computer time. Some projects many take more time.
• Be creative when seeking additional available computers.
• Provide opportunities for cooperative learning.
• Post computer rights and responsibilities, guidelines for help, and expected behavior near computer station.
• Display posters using computer terms and commands.
• Emphasize the importance of preplanning so that time on the computer is efficiently used.
• Create two folders, one for completed projects and one for work in progress. Have a checklist available so that, after each session, students can indicate whether project is complete or additional time is needed.
• Use peer partnership/mentors/volunteers
  • Consider having students work in pairs or small groups.
  • Consider computer skill and specific assignment when pairing students
  • Change partnerships according to needs.
  • Students need time away from the computer for brainstorming, planning, and revising project.
  • Peer critiquing of computer projects is a key.
  • The use of "trained experts" among class members is helpful.
  • Consider the use of computer buddies to introduce new computer skills.
  • Trained parent and community volunteers can provide assistance with more involved projects.

Classroom modeling

• Model computer project for the week.
• Provide a sample of the completed work for that session.
• Provide students with a step by step checklist. Have students sign and attach the checklist to completed project. Be sure to include a proofreading checklist.
• When teaching a computer skill, templates can be very valuable. When using a template, each student or team can rotate through the activity and the original will not be altered or lost. This allows for a more self-guided lesson.