Re: Computer Labs in Elementary Schools
Posted by ComputerGal on 6/20/08
In my current district, we have 5 specials that rotate in
Elem.--Music, PE, Art, Computers and Library. This means
that I see my students about 4 or 5 times a month with our
current schedule. This is not often enough for students to
develop good tech skills. Since I am also a certified Media
Specialist, I know the benifits of flexible access in the
library verses a fixed schedule.
As far as technology goes, I do believe in having a computer
teacher that teams with the classroom teacher for units. 3-
5 need to spend 2 to 3 weeks at the start of school in the
lab daily to practice their keyboarding skills. 10-15
minutes here and there really does nothing more than fill
time.
Having labs open would allow for research as needed and
allow scheduling enough time to complete projects. By the
time we research over 2 or 3 class periods, start a PPT, and
try to get it finished, you are looking at a project that is
spread over about 6 weeks--and they have long since finished
the unit in their classrooms.
As a specials class, I am continually reintroducing the same
skills to the same students and they tend to not remember
what we covered in the last class period assuming they were
not absent.
I would push for a computer teacher that is NOT in the
specials schedule. Hope this helps.
On 6/13/08, Sheila wrote:
> I am researching how other elementary schools use their
> computer lab. The district I am in does not have computers
> as a special with Music, PE, and Art. Teachers use it as
> needed. I feel students even at this early age should be
> taught more on how to use the computer and become more
> familiar with it since kids are all into technology. Thus,
> I'd like to present information to administration on using
> the lab as a special. Thank you for helping me with this.
Posts on this thread, including this one
- Computer Labs in Elementary Schools, 6/13/08, by Sheila.
- Re: Computer Labs in Elementary Schools, 6/14/08, by JLee.
- Re: Computer Labs in Elementary Schools, 6/15/08, by Jan.
- Re: Computer Labs in Elementary Schools, 6/20/08, by ComputerGal.
- Re: Computer Labs in Elementary Schools, 6/21/08, by Jean Bullock.
- Re: Computer Labs in Elementary Schools, 6/24/08, by Heath Carter.
- Re: Computer Labs in Elementary Schools, 7/02/08, by EMD.
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