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This Week's Topic Computer Labs Computer labs are an invaluable hands-on resource. Labs help you expose your students to software, teach students how to use various tools, and teach students how to use the Internet. This week we will cover several instructor issues regarding computer labs. This Week's Tips Computer Lab Information (Monday) To help prevent last-minute problems when using a computer lab or e-classroom, ask your department technician these questions: Which department is responsible for managing the classroom? Are the computers set up so that students can save files only to a specific directory? What is the sign-on process, and what are the student password(s)? What is the sign-on process for you, and what is your (administrative) password? When do passwords change, and to what? Designing Computer Lab Projects (Tuesday) “Keep it simple” when designing computer projects. Consider your students’ computer experience and your course goals. Pertinent suggestions include: Evaluate the computer and Internet proficiency of your students. (Visit the Download Depot for a questionnaire.) Make projects straightforward and specific with step-by-step directions. Devise projects so your students spend their lab time learning the objectives, not setting up the project to learn the objectives. As needed, provide prepared data files for your students.
Testing Computer Lab Projects (Wednesday) Test each computer lab project before asking your students to complete it. To test the project directions, ask someone who is not familiar with the project to complete it, using any prepared data files, and on a lab computer. Evaluate the project language for terminology that may confuse your students. When using data files, have adequate copies made on disks, or copy the data files onto the lab computers. Software Installation in the Computer Lab (Thursday) Take responsibility for software installation and licensing when installing software in the lab. Give a copy of the software to the computer technician to evaluate for compatibility with the lab computers, and to find out how long it will take to install. Procure the proper licensing agreement for running the software on multiple machines. Finally, keep the technician’s contact information on hand during class. Computer Lab Communications and Etiquette (Friday) Establish communication and etiquette guidelines with your students for the time they spend in the computer lab. This step will help you manage your class and maintain the lab and computers in good condition. Ask students to partner-up, so they can help each other. Ask students to close all applications and data files and sign off before leaving class. Tell your students where they can save their work on the computer. Finally, do not allow any food or drink in the lab. |
