Computer Labs and Kids

Think:  What would you do tomorrow if you had a group of kids to take to the computer lab?

Think 3: Content, Process, Procedures 

1.  Content :  You need to think through the content of your lesson or what do you want them to learn?

2.  Process:  You need to think of the process of your lesson or how will they step by step do the activity to meet the content benchmarks.

3.       Procedures:  You need to think through the behavior management procedures you will use in the lab setting.  These expectations are often best accomplished before you go into the lab.

Content Tips

¨     Plan the activity to reinforce the concepts you are teaching.  Teaching time is precious. Use the power of technology to teach or reinforce meaningful content, build background knowledge, and expand their experience.

¨     Pre-select the internet sites you want to do with kids.  Kids should rarely need to search.

¨      Limit your online sites to 4 or less.

Process Tips

¨     Have a plan written as a step by step procedure sheet for your students.  I write it as I go through the steps from login.

¨     Try your activity out in the lab setting before you go.

¨     Know how your students are going to connect to the Internet.  Do they need passwords? 

¨     How can your online sites be available without having to type URLs?

Management Procedure Tips

¨     Prepare in the classroom before you go.

¨     Have consistent lab procedures.  If your building doesn’t have procedures make your own.

¨     How will you set up where kids sit?

¨     How will kids ask for help?

¨     Printing

Other Factors to lead to success in the Lab

Modeling : The kids need to see your directions to understand what to do.

How will you demonstrate to the kids what you want them to do? 

¨     Use a data projector and classroom computer in the classroom ahead of the lesson.

¨     Use a data projector and laptop in the lab while the kids are working.

¨     Use a software program such as NetOp that allows you to demo at their computer station.

Tech Buddies:  Buddy up the lower grade students with Upper grade students.

Tech Mentor:  Find a teacher in your building who likes technology and uses your school equipment.  This mentor can save you lots of headaches.

Share with your Grade Level:  Collaborate with others and share your ideas.

Start Simple: Use software in your lab such as Kid pix or Graph Club.  Move on to digital pictures, simple multimedia, and online resources.  

District Technology Benchmarks:  Know your district technology benchmarks and plan a wide variety of applications.   Set a goal for yourself to tackle a new benchmark each month or so.

Practice ahead whatever you plan to do.

Have a back up plan if things go wrong.

Plan a quiet activity after you go to the lab.

Good Luck!

Created by Mary Whyte and Mike Champion