Having multiple computers can be a problem for a teacher, because they have to watch all the kids at different stations. I think the situation can be handled very easily, however, by simply walking around the computers and keeping tabs on screen images. If there are students more likely to get distracted, place them in a highly visible spot. Another negative of computer labs is scheduling visits. The key is having a backup plan for when the computer lab is already booked. If you wait to late and cannot get the lab, then bring in materials that can be used in their research or go over research tips to help when they are at home.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Journal Blog 5
My ideal computer situation would to be have one laptop available for me to use, as well as a computer lab available for use when need be. This is the setting I experienced in high school and I often thought it was the best setup. Having a computer lab that classrooms share is cost efficient and gives children a place to go to do research after school hours or in between classes. Computers are not a necessary part of an English classroom, because we focus more on texts. Research is a vital part of the class, which involves the use of computers, but not on a daily basis. Having a computer in the classroom is handy, but in my opinion can become distracting. I believe in the 'out of sight, out of mind' philosophy. If the kids cannot see the computers, then they won't desire to work on them during all class hours.
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Great job describing and defending your ideal layout, Ashley!
ReplyDeleteI taught in the K-12 system for several years and had an opportunity to experience just about every layout imagineable. The layout that worked best for my teaching style was an instructor computer (attached to a projector) and 4-6 computers for class use. A computer lab was available with enough computers for every student. To be honest, I’ve never seen a portable laptop cart successfully work – including here at UIS. Laptops are certainly portable and easy to deliver. But with such a short battery life, the hassle of plugging them all in was not worth the convenience of having them delivered to the room. If only someone would invent a laptop that was charged from the lights in the room!
I would also add a SmartBoard, document camera, and digital camera to my ideal layout. UIS is the only place I’ve ever worked where I had the luxury of all these technologies – and now I’m spoiled!