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Computer Laboratories
When students have regular access to the Internet in a computer laboratory, projects provide excellent opportunities for developing students’ technology literacy and subject area knowledge. Imagine a computer laboratory where:
- A student who uses a home computer extensively is often disruptive in the classroom but becomes an effective peer tutor when provided with an opportunity to take on the role of technology expert and move around the computer laboratory, helping other students.
- A student with no computer or Internet access at home develops technology knowledge and skills while helping the computer teacher maintain equipment and prepare materials for activities in the computer laboratory.
- Students become more engaged in writing when given an opportunity to use a word processor to review each other’s essays and publish their writing in brochures, which generates improvements in both quantity and quality of the students’ writing.
- A student who dislikes math but enjoys social studies uses a spreadsheet application to analyze data on a complex social problem and creates charts and graphs to illustrate relationships among data.
- Students use e-mail and instant messaging to collaboratively research an international issue with students in other countries.
Strategies for Computer Laboratories >
Technology and library specialists must employ instructional strategies based on explicit learning objectives. A variety of instructional strategies can help technology and library specialists connect technology literacy to content areas. In computer laboratories, students usually work independently, but they can also work in pairs or groups when appropriate.
Techniques for Computer Laboratories >
When students use technology in a computer laboratory (or a comparably equipped library or media center), technology and library specialists must establish rules and procedures to ensure orderly transitions and responsible educational use. Because time is always limited, students need to get to work quickly and stay on task throughout the class period.
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