Last year was my first year. I had one working computer in my classroom. I assume most classrooms have between 1-3. I would allow my students who finished early to get on the computer, well this was the same 2-3 people every time. I had a 10 minute time limit to give others a chance, but most of the people did not finish work as fast as they did. So they were on most of the day. I don't mind it if they do well on work. But when I would have free-time or inside recess I was bombarded with people to play on the computer. I know I will need something else this year. I am at a new school, so I'm not sure of the setup yet, but I know this will be a problem.
So if you have any computer management ideas PLEASE let me know!! Thanks.
Could you use the computer as a center? I have four computers and during reading I always had one group researching a topic or even playing online grammar/comprehension/vocabulary games. I never let my kids use the computer when they finish early. They could either journal, read or even work on homework.
I only have 2 computers in my room and ran into the same issues as you. I also incorporated them into centers so everyone would get on them. What i did for other times was to have a small white board where users would write their name if they were on it (not during center time though; that didn't count). If they were on already during "down" time, then they couldn't use it. I erased the board every week. It was pretty effective.
I never "reward" kids for finishing early. They may get to choose between reading or writing, but not something like computer. My view may come from working as a sped teacher..."my" sped kids NEVER had the opportunity to be rewarded for finishing early, eventhough at times they worked twice as hard. Very demoralizing.
This year, I am going to be a regular classroom techer, and I am struggling how to find time to make it fair for everyone to use the computer. The only way I think I can do it is to make it part of a center rotation. That way every one gets equal opportunity.
I have two computers for the students to access. I divide their names into two piles, and write them on index cards and punch holes in them. I connect the cards with a notebook binder ring. When a child is done with their turn on the computer, they turn the ring to the next name and gently touch that person on the back to let them quietly know it's their turn.
I used computers as a rotation through my reading and math centers, the year(s) that I had only 1 or 2 working computers, I'd assign certain kids to use on M-W others on T-Th...but I never used them as a reward. When students finished their work early, they could read an AR or regular book, write, or complete extra credit. I also had copies of 'brain stretchers', madlibs, and other different types of learning activities that they could do if they had extra time. I never wanted the computer to be seen as a toy or play thing, it was for work, and students had specific learning activities that the computers were used for (of course they still thought that they were just playing computer games, but at least I knew better!!)
I have a computer schedule for my class. Everybody gets a day to be on. That way everybody gets on during the week and it is fair. Students may go on if they finish early on their day, but I do check their work before they can go. For my students that work a little slower, I make sure that they get an opportunity at some point during the day. For example, our school has chorus. For the kids who aren't in chorus, they can be on the computer during this time. I make sure that students who struggle and who aren't in chorus are scheduled on these days.
It should be easier this year, because I am getting two more computers in my room. I'll have 7 working student computers and 14 students. I think each kid will be scheduled 2 days per week with Friday being a "wildcard" day. We'll see!
Well a few of you said letting them do it after they finish is rewarding them. I never thought of that. I just let them do it because it was something academic to do. But, I guess that's true. Last year was a rough year with my students and administration so hopefully I'll get a bit of a break this year. I had so many people at my school telling me they were sorry for me and how they couldn't stand my class (including both principals) because I had a group of students who went nuts at times.
We'll see if this year will be a bit better and now that I'm more experienced.
This made it difficult for me to do anything with them,
NJ I really like your idea of flipping cards. Did you allow them to do that during individual work times?
I don't do centers, yet. I'm going to try but I haven't really gotten a handle on them, especially for 5th grade.
Do you have other games for inside recess such as monopoly, battleship, memory games, puzzles, boggle etc? If computer is the best thing that is available I can see why everyone would want to play on them.
I have 4 student computers. The students use them during centers but also for AR tests. At almost any time students may take AR tests whether or not it is center time. When students are finished with work they are to read or study (spelling or multiplication) with or without a partner that is also finished. On Fridays as a reward students who have behaved all week play with puzzles and games. This includes the computer. I give a time limit so multiple children can play on the computer during that time. I also have two headphones per computer so there can potentially be up to 8 students on the computers at one time all though that never happens because they like the other games that are available too.
I hated the way kids would rush through work to get time on the computers when we first got them. Now, that's not an issue. We have 5 computers, so this might work a little differently for you. I usually have about 25 students, and each student is assigned one of 5 colors. Then I print a calendar that shows the whole school year. I cross out any off days and then color each date one of the assigned colors. They are only on the computer (unless we're working on a project) if it is their color's assigned day. They know the rules and don't even ask anymore. It works great!
07-25-2007, 03:45 PM
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