Managing the One or More Computer Classroom
without Losing Your Hair or Your Sanity!
These are notes from the presentation given at NECC
in Atlantic City, NJ on June 23, 1999 by Donna Ashmus and Jeanne Guerrero Clarke
SouthEast and Islands R*TEC
- Serves 14 southeastern states including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands
- Specializes in an intensive site program which provides in-depth assistance to 12 underserved schools
Services and Objectives:
- Integrate advanced technologies into K-12 classrooms, media centers, and adult literacy centers
- Assist in creating technology infrastructure (technology plans, funding sources, hardware and software options)
- Provide technical assistance, professional development, and training opportunities for educators
With new information doubling almost every few months, teachers can no longer be expected to be the fountain of all knowledge. Classrooms have shifted into inquiry-based learning centers. With that shift, teachers are now facilitators, coaches, managers, and mentors. Here are some ideas and issues to help educators manage this new environment.
Relevant questions
- How can I use technology in the classroom?
- How do I introduce my students to technology?
- How do I manage with a limited number of computers?
- How do I organize my classroom?
- What are some tips and tricks I can use?
- What are some benefits to using technology?
Video Summary
- Active Learning
- Cooperative Learning
- Interdisciplinary Learning
- Individualized Learning
Hardware Issues
- Placement- do student have easy access?
- Portability- can computers be moved?
- Security- can computers be secured?
- Display- can computer be seen by all students?
Software Issues Recommended load:
- Word processor (Word, ClarisWorks,&)
- Presentation software (PowerPoint, KidPix,..)
- Spreadsheet/graphing software (Excel, &)
- CD-ROM encyclopedia (MS Encarta, Groliers,)
- WWW browser and e-mail program
Curriculum Issues
Curriculum-based lesson plans should include:
- Summary
- Objectives
- Prerequisite skills
- Time allotted
- How to begin
Lesson Plan Examples
- Discovering Colonial America
- Dont Trash the Earth
- Understanding Poetry
- All About Me
- Making Ends Meet
Tips and Tricks from Teachers
- Use cooperative learning groups (teams)
- Create trained experts in class
- Preplan! Use time on computers wisely
- Use templates/print out clipart, fonts
- Break project into small parts
- Save work on individual student disks
- Team with other teachers to group computers together
- Create a project rubric
Additional Resources:
Technology Classroom Management
Contact information
Donna Ashmus-
Jeanne Guerrero Clarke-
Greensboro office: 800/755-3277