Tips For Implementing Computers in the Classroom

Regular classroom computer activities help kids gain proficiency.

Students will encounter computers and other forms of technology throughout life. Computer use in the classroom establishes proficiency in using the machines. Computers offer a variety of uses in the classroom from games to research. As the kids become more comfortable with the computers, add more activities to the regular schedule.

Create Efficient Setup

The arrangement of the computers within the classroom affects how you use them with the students. If they are inconvenient or difficult to access, you are less likely to incorporate them into regular classroom activities. Consider placing a couple of computers a rolling cart that can located anywhere in the classroom. This allows you to accommodate individual student work, group computer projects or a class presentation. An easily-accessible storage area for software and accessories adds to ease of usage.

Use Computers as Learning Centers

The learning center approach gives kids time to complete activities on an individual or small group basis. Individual work areas, called learning centers, are located around the room, each with its own activity for the students to complete. During the designated learning center time, kids go to different centers to complete the activities. Use the classroom computer as one of the learning centers as a simple way to work technology into the classroom. Create a specific assignment for the computer center such as an online scavenger hunt or an educational computer game. If you find the students spending too much time at the computer center, place a timer next to it and have the kids set the timer to a certain amount of time. This allows more kids to make it through the computer center.

Connect Computer Activities with Classroom Lessons

Computer assignments that relate to the classroom material create a more meaningful use for technology. Kids connect the computer use with information they are learning instead of searching for random information. A research project to expand on a classroom topic is one option to create that connection. The kids look for additional information to create a report or presentation. For additional computer practice, have the kids use a word processing program to create an outline and report.

Create a Classroom Website

A class website is another way to incorporate computer use into the classroom. Include a student section on the website that contains activities, relevant links or assignments for the kids. The kids can use the website at school and from home for additional practice at using computers. The classroom website also works to get the parents involved in the educational process. Include a special parent section with reference links for them. If the website is secure, posting student grades is another option. Keep the website updated frequently and create interactive aspects when possible.

References

• Microsoft Office: Integrate Technology into Your Lesson Plans
• Education.com: Incorporating Technology into Your Classroom at a Low Cost
• Scholastic: How to Set Up Computers in Your Classroom