Computer Lab Notes

To the next computer teacher:

Chances are that this job has fallen to someone who is volunteering to oversee the lab with limited time to do so. It would be nice if there was some scheduled administration time for things like cleaning keyboards, calling and tracking service calls, ordering supplies, testing software and the like. If you've got it that's great.

If you only have volunteer time to oversee the lab, I hope these suggestions will help you.

1. The computer lab will get very dumpy if it is not tidied up daily. Try to swing through the lab and pick up garbage, check machines for damage, graffiti etc. every day.
2. Service calls need to be emailed to the Help Desk ASAP. Broken stuff not fixed sends the wrong message to the students. Machine information follows a format of identification which includes the serial number and room location. The service technician can come in at any time during the day. Things like CD trays will be replaced under warranty, as will fried monitors.
3. The audio wires need to be looked after. I found that one easy way to keep the lab silent is to disconnect the audio wires from the monitors. The better plan would be to leave the cables and have a class set of headphones available for special audio tasks. This would need careful management and a considerable commitment to monitoring and collecting the headsets.
4. The Computer Acceptable Use Agreement is the board document that forms the basis of the agreement between all users of the computers and the board. Teachers and students are both bound to this Contract when it is signed. If we are to have recourse to discipline a student for improper computer use, then these Agreements must be signed and kept on file, and referred to regularly. This administrative task has been difficult to complete in the three years I've been doing computer teaching, because of problems in collecting the forms. But, to do it alone is overwhelming, so all teachers should track the forms for their own class and pass them on to you.
   
5. Kids must use their own ID and not share it with anyone. Kids must use a private password unknown to anyone else.
   
6. An educational philosophy of computer use is important to successful use of the computer lab. Students should be using the computers for educational tasks. The Board has produced an excellent resource binder called IT Connections that ties the computer to all grades and several subject areas.
7. The First Class IT conferences are extremely valuable in keeping up with latest issues across the system. Watch them daily.

May you enjoy every minute you spend working on our computers, with our students.

Glen Brown