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Managing a One
Computer Classroom Carolyn
Hornik
Is the computer in your
classroom sitting in the back of the room collecting
dust? Is it even plugged in? Are you frustrated by
the fact that there is only one computer in your
classroom? Though the one-computer classroom is far
from ideal, there are a variety of effective ways
in which a classroom teacher can use that one computer
as an instructional tool.
First Things First
You need to make sure the computer is equipped with the appropriate
applications if your students are to research, write, illustrate,
and present information:
- word processor (such
as Microsoft Word, AppleWorks)
- drawing and painting
application (Paint, Kidpix, SuperPrint, Illustrator
and AppleWorks, additionally, applications such
as Inspiration or Kidspiration can be used to create
graphic organizers)
- presentation software
(PowerPoint; HyperStudio, Kidpix also contain presentation
tools)
- an Internet Browser
or electronic Encyclopedia (Internet Explorer or
Netscape Navigator)
The computer center can
be enhanced with digital cameras, digital video cameras,
scanners, MP3 players, CDs, and DVDs.
The computer can be used
as an electronic chalkboard for demonstration purposes
by connecting it to a television or LCD projector.
In this way an idea or concept can easily be illustrated.
Online activities and information as well as teacher
made visuals can be shared with the whole class or
with a group of students.
Computer savvy students
and teachers can create PowerPoint projects and present
them to the class, individual students, or groups
of students. Teachers who utilize the workshop model
in their classrooms would find the computer an effective
tool for modeling activities and for group work assignments.
Online stories, demonstrations,
simulations, movies, and maps are available for all
subject areas and all grade levels. As part of cooperative
group work, students can employ the computer to complete
their part of their project-based assignment. Students,
in their roles as researcher, writer, illustrator,
and/or presenter, might utilize the computer as an
important tool in carrying out their role in the
group’s project based assignment. Their work
could be published and shared as a collaborative
project with students in other schools.
Setting Up a Computer
Center
Teachers can set up a “computer center” in the same
manner other classroom centers are set up. Students would rotate
assignments to the computer center in the same manner as other
centers are rotated. Some teachers maintain a center rotation chart
posted in the computer center. Others have students move name cards
attached with clothespins to rotate centers.
Task card activities,
containing extensions of classroom lessons, would
be available at the computer center. Task cards can
be teacher made or readymade. (Task cards can be
purchased from Teacher Created Materials or Connected
Classroom). The following types of applications are
essential for your
Suggested Computer
Activities:
- Research information
and real time events.
- Graph data and organize
information with graphic organizers, databases,
spreadsheets, diagrams, and charts.
- Take, display, and/or
print digital photographs. Create a multimedia
album.
- Use clip art, sounds
and movies to illustrate concepts. View movies
to introduce science and social studies units.
- Illustrate math problems
and concepts.
- Locate geographic areas
on a map. Label borders, population, surface features,
etc.
- Create an illustrated
class dictionary to reinforce spelling and vocabulary
words.
- Communicate with other
classes anywhere in the world, as part of a collaborative
project. Become book buddies, share experiences
and ideas, and ask experts in various fields for
information.
- Enliven presentations
with slide shows and dynamic web pages.
- Inspire stimulating
discussions.
- Spice up student writing
by using an online thesaurus.
- Use interactive online
activities to review and reinforce concepts and
skills.
- Publish class books
and newsletters.
- Write and animate action
in a play.
- Make journal entries.
- Create travel brochures.
- Use the calculator
to develop and reinforce number concepts.
- Participate in web
quests.
- Provide support to
English Language Learners with interactive stories,
reading activities, and multilanguage dictionaries.
- Go on an online scavenger
hunt.
- Take part in online
simulations.
Teacher Tips:
- Train a group of students
that will become “class techies.” Instruct
them in basic computer skills, basic trouble shooting,
and use of each application. Be sure to put a class
techie into each cooperative learning group.
- A specific task should
be assigned for each student using the computer.
Include the name of the software to be used in
executing the task and review the directions so
that students know how to do the project.
- Teachers should prescreen
and bookmark Internet web sites to be used by students.
Limit the number of web sites for each assignment.
- Plan tasks that address
different learning styles and multiple intelligences.
- Assign one cooperative
group to the computer center at a time. Each group
might be assigned on a specific day of the week
each week.
- Keep accurate scheduling
records for computer use. Keep a log or journal
including the names of students who need additional
time to complete assignments. Students might also
complete journal entries indicating the date, time,
work that was done on the computer, and any help
they might need. As students complete their individual
tasks, they might quietly notify the next person
on the list for their group. Some teachers find
it useful to have each student or groups turn over
a name card on a pocket chart when they complete
an assignment on the computer.
- Develop assessment
strategies for evaluating student work done on
the computer. Many teachers utilize a checklist.
Students sign and attach the checklist to their
completed project. Have standard setting projects
available for students to model their work on.
- Establish a method
for saving student files. Each cooperative group
might save to a specific folder set up on the computer
or each group might have its own floppy disk for
saving work.
- Print and display students
work.
- Create templates for
assignments.
- Attach a set of headphones
to the computer to avoid class distractions. Try
to position the computer so that only the computer
users face the screen.
Dust off and power up
that computer in the back of your room. Use it to
create a classroom of motivated, independent, cooperative,
and collaborative learners.
Additional Resources:
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