Getting the Most

Ideas for Getting the Most Out of Your One Computer

I. Room Arrangement

II. Scheduling

Consider equity (It is not a good practice to allow students who finish their work first time on the computer. Make sure that the student who isn't doing so well in your class gets on the computer. It may motivate that "not so good" student and get them interested in learning.)
To enable you to teach with the least interruptions and get all students on the computer, put a timer and a student roster next to each computer. Teach the students how to set the timer for 15 minutes and to tap the next person on the shoulder when they are done.
Place 3 x 5 recipe card file with student names in book pockets to identify computer users for 15 - 20 minute time segments each day. Have students cycle through to complete project.
Provide opportunities for cooperative learning activities using the computer
Have students work in pairs or small groups.
Remember, students need time away from the computer for brainstorming, planning, and revising project.

III. Management

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 used efficiently.
Create task cards for each computer project or assignment.
Hold students accountable of their time spent on the computer by requiring them to write what they accomplished in a journal.
Assign one or your more computer savvy students to be the “computer assistant.” He or she can answer questions while you are teaching. If the assistant doesn't know, then they can ask you.
Use computer buddies to introduce new computer skills. This can be students from your classroom or older students from other classrooms.
Invite parent and community volunteers to assist with more involved projects.

IV. Teacher modeling

Introduce a new lesson to the whole class. This works best by projecting the computer screen onto the television (using PC/TV converter box) so that all students can see your demonstration from their desks. If you have young students you can have them gather around the computer, or you show the students in small groups.
Design projects to be completed in small parts, so that directions do not become too complex.
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.

V. Project / Assignment Ideas

Create a scavenger hunt using a CD-ROM encyclopedias (Encarta or Groliers).
Form questions around a curriculum you are teaching that will require students to search and read parts of the encyclopedia. Later, students can create the scavenger hunt for their peers.
There are many opportunities on the Internet to find keypals for your whole class or for individual students with other students around the world. (http://www.pitsco.com/keypals/) Your students can initiate electronic conversations about where the other children live, use maps to locate the countries/cities where other children live, and address topics with other children such as weather, politics, clothing, and local heroes of their regions. After data is collected your students can graph the information or use the information in various writing assignments.
Your class can explore almost any Science or Social Studies concept using CD-ROM encyclopedias and various Internet sites. There is an excellent Internet site called “Ask an Expert” (http://www.pitsco.com/askanexpert/) that allows you and your students to ask real “experts” any question. After the research is gathered students can share what they learned by creating a HyperStudio® or KidPix® presentations to share with the class.