Practical Ideas for the One Computer Classroom

Here are some practical ideas for using one computer in your classroom.

Room Arrangement

Management / Scheduling

Consider equity: You may want to didentify computer users for each day, and have students cycle through to complete project. Or set up a weekly schedule and assign open blocks to students.
Consider the project when allowing computer time. Some projects may take more time.
Provide opportunities for cooperative learning.
Post computer rights and responsibilities, guidelines for help, and expected hehavior near computer station.
Display posters using computer terms and commands.
Emphasize the importance of preplanning so that time on the computer is efficiently used.
You may want to create two folders, one for completed projects and one for work in progress. Have a checklist available so that, after each session, students can indicate whether project is complete or additional time is needed.
Use peer partnership/mentors/volunteers
- Consider having students work in pairs or small groups.
- Consider computer skill and specific assignment when pairing students.
- Change partners according to needs.
- Students need time away from the computer for brainstorming, planning, and revising project.
- Peer evaluation of computer projects is a key.
- The use of "trained experts" among class members is helpful.
- Consider the use of computer buddies to introduce new comuter skills.

Classroom Modeling

Model various types of computer projects for students.
Provide a sample of the completed work for a particular session.
Provide students with a step by step checklist. Have students sign and attach the checklist to completed project. Be sure to include a proofreading checklist.
When teaching a computer skill, templates can be very valuable. When using a template, each student or team can rotate through the activity and the original will not be altered or lost. This allows for a more self-guided lesson.