Using the Computer Lab
Proxy the date(s) needed for lab and write activity and content TEKS. Make sure you CC: your name when sending appointment to lab.
A day or two before going to the lab:
- Work through your lesson from Start to Finish as would a student. In other words, proofread your "how to" instructions. Have you omitted a step? Do you need to include more illustrations? Do you need to reword anything?
- Check Lab equipment. Are all computers functioning properly?
- Navigate to the web sites you plan to use to be sure they are still available.
The day of going to the lab:
- Assign a computer number to every student.
- Remind students of your expectations for going into the lab.
- Absolute "no-no's" are: GUM, FOOD, or DRINK anywhere in the room, using the computer before being told to do so, and making changes to computer equipment including removing mouse balls, downloading files from the Internet, changing display settings, and so on.
- Remind students that accessing inappropriate web sites will result in the consequences outlined in the student handbook.
Above all else: MONITOR, MONITOR, MONITOR the students while they use the computer.