Working with limited computer resources
In this demanding modern world, you know how important it is to integrate technology into your teaching. You want your young students to gain knowledge and hands-on experience in using technology so they may learn vital skills and be able to compete in the real world.
There is one problem though: there are not enough computers. Your class of 40 students has to divide the class period so that they might have each have their turn to use the machine/s, leaving them too little time to work on their projects or acquire significant technological skills.
Here are some tips and procedures you can follow to make sure that the lack of resources does not become a problem:
- Schedule who gets to use the computer. To maximize each student’s allotted time, make sure that this schedule is followed. Tell your students that every minute they waste by arriving late will be subtracted to the minutes of use allotted to them.1
- Create strict guidelines and rules about the use of the computers and post them near the computer station. This will prevent time wasted on bickering who gets to use what, etc.2
- Set alternative times to use the computer (recess, after school, lunch break, etc.).3
- Emphasize preparation. Before a student who needs to type a paper can use the computer, make sure that he/she has already prepared what to write. This will ensure that no precious minutes are wasted staring blankly at the computer screen thinking of what to write.4
- Position the computer/s in an easily accessible place.5
- To avoid wasting time waiting for the computer to free up, provide other “working stations” (for reading, doing book research, etc.) your students can use while waiting for their turn.6
- Ask the students to print the resources they find so they wouldn’t have to read them from the computer, thus making the computer available for other students to use.7
- Pair one student with a more advanced set of computer skills with a student who needs help in the area. This will not only increase productivity as the “advanced” student will be able to guide the “beginner” in working with the machine, it will allow the transmission of computer knowledge and skills.8
Sources:
We would like to acknowledge the following sources for this article:
1, 2, 3, 6 Chaika, Glori. Education World, “How to Thrive--not just survive--in a one-computer classroom.” http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech092.shtml
4, 5 Peebles, Joan. “Ideas for the One-Computer Classroom.”
http://danenet.wicip.org/mmsd-it/tlc/1comprm.html
7, 8 Central Regional Educational Laboratory. “That's Not a Drinking Fountain, or How to Survive in a One-Computer Classroom.”
