If you're a classroom teacher working with students in a computer lab, keep the following guidelines in mind:

• If computer lab staff is present in the lab, determine what their roles are and what your role will be. Who will lead the lessons? Can you ask for teaching assistance or only for tech support problems?
• Check with lab staff about computer lab rules and procedures and share those rules with students.
• Announce and implement additional rules of your own, if necessary.
• Channel excess student energy by pointing out that lab use is a privilege and that misbehavior will result in the loss of that privilege. Most students relish their time on computers, so moving a poorly behaved student to a table without computers, even if just for a few minutes, often is punishment enough.
• If students' skill levels and experience vary, partner tech-experts with tech-beginners for activities and lessons. Student mentors should demonstrate extra tech knowledge and strong interpersonal skills. Sometimes the most tech-savvy students have a hard time helping others simply because the subject comes so easily to them!

Next: What Rules?