Friday, December 11, 2009

Laptop management




I feel very fortunate that my students have access to 12 computers almost all the time. Each grade 5 classroom has been provided with one cart of 12 computers. We also arrange with our colleagues times in which we will loan our carts out to other Grade 5 Classes. This allows us to have many opportunities to have a 1 on 1 computer/student ratio. Some of the things that I do in my classroom to help manage these laptops are:
1-Ensure that all students are aware that using the computers is a privilege and not a right. They can loose this privilege by not following expectations such as caring for the computers and/or using them in an inappropriate manner
2-All students are expected to wash their hands before use
3-I have two computer cart helps that assist with transporting the carts, distributing the computers and ensuring that they are returned and plugged in for charging in the correct space
4-I have designated students that a "tech experts" that are available to assist their peers with various applications
5-I use the "Fist" method to have the students partially close their computers when directions and redirection are given to ensure that they are focused.

Probably most importantly I am open to suggestions on any systems or strategies that may work even better in the class room.

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