ComputerLabTips

**Before the lesson**:

 * 1) Check to see if the application is working or the website does not hit the sonic wall.
 * 2) Prepare students with the necessary information, if needed, like you would any other lesson.
 * 3) Plan your time with the computers appropriately. If it is a new application or process, give yourself a period to have the kids learn it before diving into the lesson on hand.
 * 4) Check with your Technology Coach for any ideas or suggestions. They can also help you find websites for projects and such.
 * 5) Recreating the wheel is not necessary. Check out the World Wide Web and search. Put your search in quotes to get better results ie. "pumpkin kidpix lesson ideas"
 * 6) Computers are a tool to help you incorporate projects and foster student engagement. The goal is to incorporate your curriculum while using technology.

**During the lesson:**

 * 1) Model for the students the application and process first. Many times it is easier to have the students sit in front of the screen not at the computers and show them. Then, go back to the computers and do step by step with them. If this is the first time, with the application or website, clear directions such as double click (one-two) will be needed and shown.
 * 2) Make sure students know what they are there to do. Type it out for them on the screen. For older students show them how they will be assessed.
 * 3) The lab is an extension of the classroom. Rules and expectations are still part of the classroom.
 * 4) If they are saving, then do so at the start of the activity to make sure they save in the correct spot, documents folder.
 * 5) Walk around during the activity.
 * 6) Pair students with a buddy and have them ask a buddy before asking you. Also, explain to the students that there is one of you and many of them. They should try to figure things out.
 * 7) Redirecting students back on task, coaching or assisting with learning.
 * 8) Teachers should be actively engaged on the students when using computers. Grading papers and checking email are not active focus habits of student learning.

**End of the lesson:**

 * 1) Make sure they all saved.
 * 2) Promote that leaving the lab in better shape than we found it.
 * 3) All computers logged out in the lab.
 * 4) Laptop carts should have all computers back.
 * 5) Shut down properly (wait until it goes black before shutting the lid).
 * 6) Plugged in when putting them back in the correct spot.

Sources: "Helpful Hints For Using the Computer lab" Kathleen Andrews Instructional Technology - Grand Prairie ISD http://www.gpisd.org/departments/technology/instr_tech/andrews/documents/helpfulhints.pdf