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Tech Time in the Classroom

Keeping students in control as they use computers can be tricky, and the managing strategies you use in more traditional classroom activities often don't apply. Next time you direct your students in a computer activity, consider these tips instead:

Managing the Seemingly Unmanageable

Do you dread using technology in your classroom because the behavior of some of your students during those activities iswellless than their best? The good news is that most students love working with technology, and you can use their enthusiasm to keep them on task. Try some of the proactive classroom management plans at Classroom Management in the Computer Lab.

Stick It (Prominently)
Display the rules.

Post in a visible place a list of all class rules for technology use -- and the consequences for breaking each rule.

Click It (Correctly)
Encourage students to use correct keyboarding technique -- always.

Emphasize good posture and hand positioning whenever students use the computer, not just during keyboarding activities. The more reinforcement you provide in all situations, the faster and more accurate their typing will become.

Ticket (Positively)
Provide tangible incentives for completing work on time.

Provide those students who have permission to use the Internet for something other than the day's assignment with brightly colored admission tickets.



Article by Lorrie Jackson
Education World®
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