Field+Based+Activities+Reflection+TF+III.D

In one of the assigned readings, there is a story of a teacher talking about a student who walks into his computer lab, changes the desktop picture, changes the preferred browser, and personalizes the color scheme - all in a matter of a minute or so. The point being made is that it is important for students to personalize their learning if it is to have meaning. (If I can find this reading, I'll cite it so that I get credit for another reference.) But this type of behavior drives me mad! One of my jobs is to keep the laptop carts ready for use. Students like to do all the things described above, as well as change the names of the desktop icons, and download their favorite online music listening shortcut. Such activites, to me are like personalizing one's neighborhood with graffiti! Once it's done, the next person feels the need to add his or her own touch, and eventually you have an unsightly mess.

Another pet peeve is opening a cart to find the computers arranged haphazardly, many not plugged in. Upon consideration of this, it occurred to me that some education regarding the appropriate use of laptop carts could be in order.

Standard III.D is about managing student learning activities in a technology-enriched environment (Williamson & Redish, 2009). Teachers were eager to use the carts, and had some ideas, but the logistics of managing them was something they had not considered. How should the laptops be distributed? How should they be put away? What if the wireless doesn't work? What if the touchpad doesn't work? Can students save their work? Can students print their work?

In my "The Care and Feeding of Laptop Computers" I made suggestions for logistical concerns as well as addressed some fo the issues that frequently pop up, like wireless connection problems and touchpad problems. I also pointed that students at our school aren't officially taught any computer etiquette until their senior year. We can't assume that they know how to use and treat the computers, so reminders about their responsiblilty as borrowers would be appropriate.

References

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., & Kuhn, M. (2012). //Using technology with classroom instruction that works// (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Williamson, J. & Redish, T. (2009). //ISTE’s technology facilitation and leadership standards: What every K-12 leader should know and be able to do//. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.