Setting Up Clear Expectations
Peggy
Maslow
One of the basic ways to have success using computers
in the classroom is to prepare students to behave responsibly. It
is important that a teacher prepare students by telling them what
is expected of them when they start to use computers in a classroom
setting. This means going over rules and assignments before the
students are in front of a computer.
On the first day of class I give students two sheets to read:
Computer Lab Rules
http://web.archive.org/web/20030805190718/http://fklane.org/labrules.htm
This is what we use at my school, you can modify it to meet the
needs of your classroom. I tell my students that they will be tested
the next day on the rules. I instruct students to write an essay
for students who are about to go into a computer explaining the
rules for the lab. They also have to write why these rules are necessary
and the consequences for not following the rules. After the test
is handed back to students and graded I may retest students who
do not show they know the rules and why they exist.
Parent Permission
http://web.archive.org/web/20030627143729/http://fklane.org/permission.htm
The permission sheet is necessary when underage students publish
their work on the Internet.
Once rules have been established, it is important that the teacher
is consistent. S/he may have to go over these rules until it is
clear that everyone in the class understands them.
Also I am planning future columns on the topics listed below.
- What to do about filters and/or a firewall that obstructs student
research.
- How can class web sites showcase student work
- How does using technology enhance curriculum
- How can students use the Internet to do research
- How to use a discussion forum
- How to use web quests
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