Strategies in a One-Computer Class

Instructional Strategies that Focus on Managing the One-Computer Classroom and Students

Jan 3, 2007 Beth Lynne

Tips for managing students in a one-computer classroom.

For some teachers, having only one computer is almost as bad as having none. Some teachers fear that the students will break their one and only computer, while others have management problems that make it difficult to monitor one student while teaching the rest of the class. In this article strategies for the one-computer classroom will be presented.

First, assess your students’ computer skills. Develop a brief test that will give an idea of what skills need to be developed, based on what skills you will require. Ask questions such as:

Can you:

Turn on a computer?
Shut down a computer from the Start menu?
Word process?
Save a file?
Change the size, style, and color of the font?
Insert a hyperlink?
Create a basic spreadsheet?
Create a six-slide Powerpoint?
Install a CD-Rom?
Access music and videos?
Use a search engine, such as Google?
Create a webpage from a program such as MS Frontpage?

Adjust your questions according to grade level.

Once you have determined what your students’ skills are, consider how to use this information. Are you going to pair technologically strong students with weaker ones? Or will you join up two students whose skills are comparable? Would you want behavior problems to work together or do your quiet students have a calming effect on those who like to play around? Do your students stay on task at the computer, or does one need to police another? Also consider that some students need to work alone at the computer in order to maximize concentration. Remember, though, that the computer assignment is part of the students’ regular instruction and that it should not be used as a carrot to dangle in exchange for appropriate classroom behavior. Certainly appropriate behavior is expected, and here is where the abuse of machinery is addressed: clearly outline the rules for using the computer (no indiscriminate surfing, stay on task, handle equipment with care, print only with permission, etc.), and the consequences if not followed.

Now that your students are grouped for maximum output, think of what kind of time constraints you are facing. How much time will the project or assignment involve? In a 45 minute period, how many students will be able start a project? What kind of time limit is there on each student or pair of students? Should you stop students after a set time when they are on a roll? Often, the urge may be to leave a student who misbehaves on the computer the entire period, but is this really fair? (See the accompanying blog entry and discussion)

In the next article, lessons for the one-computer classroom will be discussed.

Managing Classroom Technology

Ways Teachers Use Technology

Technology in the Classroom--Why?

The copyright of the article Strategies in a One-Computer Class in Teacher Tips/Training is owned by Beth Lynne. Permission to republish Strategies in a One-Computer Class in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.