Lab Management
Ideas
- Use cups on top of the
computer. Red cups for 'help', green cups for 'everything's ok' , blue cups
for 'I'm on the Internet'.
- Or Blue cup says I
found something cool!
- Pair students at the
computer. K-3 Have one use the mouse and the other use the keyboard. The next
time they use the computer they switch roles. 4-6 Have them switch who uses
the computer by dividing up the tasks.
- Three before me rule:
ask 3 other students BEFORE you ask the Teacher!
- Ways to ask for help:
red cup, name on board, ask an expert.
- Save to disks only if
you have to save to server or hard drive is much better (if you have
that option!)
Preparation
- Have students plan their
use of the computer before they get on it. For example, have them write their
slideshow before putting it on the computer.
- Use storyboards as organizational
tools.
- Create templates for
students to drop in their work
- Brainstorm & plan
on paper first.
- Give kids rubrics so
they know what to aim for.
- Get more table space:
use copy clips (attaches to the side of the monitor and holds paper up)
- Velcro your speakers
to the side of your monitor!
- If you have a say in
it, purchase computers with towers gives you more space!
- Place monitor on table
so students look straight at it or down a little. Check for correct posture.
- Use headphones! KidPix
Studio is VERY audio intense!
- Have a Plan B ready just
in case. This is technology were talking about here and reliability
isnt always one of its assets.
- Run through the lesson
yourself before presenting to your students. Just how long will it really
take, what are the skills students will need before they can tackle this project,
what is a realistic timeline?
- Do as much offline as
possible. Students should be prepared to start work as soon as they sit down
at the computer. Their ideas should be written on paper, revised and edited
before they are considered ready for the computer. Computer time is valuable!
- How
to Set Up Computers in Your Classroom
an article with lots of ideas.