1. Use a sign up rather than a static schedule. If technology is truly
being used when needed, there will be weeks when a class needs to use
the lab 3-4 times and then weeks they don't need to use it at all.
2. Use backwards planning - decide how much time to want to allot to a
project, and when you want the project completed, and then move to the
design of the project. Breakdown tasks for a project into class period
blocks, so you know exactly how long a project will take.
3. Create a detailed rubric students can follow that breaks the tasks
down as much as possible. Then when a student or student group says:
"I don't know what to do next." Have them take their task-based rubric
and go through and mark off what they have done and what they still need
to do.
4. Teach the tech skills only in the context of the curriculum. When
there is a reason to apply the skill, students will learn it much more
quickly. Don't teach courses in using Word, or drawing in Kidpix. Have
a class that uses Word as a tool to help students create a newsletter
about the colonies. In this class, teach things they will need for the
newsletter like columns, centering, font, etc.
5. Have both the classroom teacher and a tech-support person in the lab
at the same time, if at all possible. The Tech support person is there
to make sure the technology works while the classroom teacher is there
for curriculum and behavior support.
6. Spend no more than 20% of any class doing the "monkey see, monkey
do" teaching method where you stand up in front, do something, and
everyone follows along. Demonstrate what you need, and let them learn
it by doing it on their own and / or working with a partner or in a
group. Walk around and help them as needed.
Renee Ramig
Seven Hills School
-----Original Message-----
From: A forum for independent school educators
[mailto:ISED-L@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU] On Behalf Of Ed Owens
Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 11:06 AM
To: ISED-L@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
Subject: Best practices for teachers in the computer lab?
=20
Can anybody point me towards a set of best practices for lessons =20
involving the computer lab? I'm not talking about best practices in =20
integrating technology, but literally using the computer lab (i.e., =20
walking around, concrete objectives / assignments, etc.). We're =20
working on something we can point teachers towards to help make the =20
best use of their time in the lab. Thanks in advance.
=20
Ed Owens
Director of Technology
Episcopal Day School
=20
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