Kids in Charge by Janet Cob urn, August 1998 Technology & Learning , pg. 24

We have been struggling with how to effectively use the computer lab in our elementary schools. This article was a compilation of different teaching strategies that are being used in schools across the nation. It was reassuring to find out that other teachers have found it difficult to keep up with the new technology being placed in our schools. The ideas being tested in other schools look very promising if we as teachers are willing to give up the traditional classroom approach when it comes to the computer lab.

One of the sections in Janet Coburns article is called, Kids as Techies. Among the most common ways for kids to take a leadership role is to have them serve as computer support staff. This approach appealed to me as we know how slowly someone sometimes responds with our current system. First, with the one computer in my classroom, if it goes down, about 10 eager students are standing over my shoulder waiting for me to fix it. Sometimes I can, and other times it requires too much of my classroom time. If a trained group of students were to go around to the rooms to help clean and maintain the classroom computers, I believe a huge weight would be lifted and we could use computer time and classroom time more effectively. The article states thatstudent tech crews keep their fellow students and their teachers supplied with functioning, usable computers that can enhance any lesson.

The other part of this article, that really got me enthused, was using older students in the lab to help during the lab times. As one teacher and 26 students on computers, each at a different level, I have become extremely frustrated with teaching in the lab. I have stressed to my students the importance of patience in waiting for me to come to them, or relying on a neighbor to help out. I have also tried teaching a few of my own students to teach others. I realize the importance of using technology to enhance learning, but the current methods of teaching in the computer lab are stressful and demanding. l

Lucy Miller, Technology & Learnings 1997 Teacher of the Year, requires that her students complete an application and interview process. The students who have been selected for the SWAT(Students Working to Advance Technology)team have developed some basic rules to make the program successful. The students stated the importance of taking our time and explaining things. They learned that people skills were a must. The kids have to be taught to be reassuring, humble, and nonabrasive. Some additional tips for success were to expect a bit of chaos, build in structure, and document the work. Still,teachers have the most

-- Anonymous, April 11, 1999

Answers

Cindy, I can imagine how frustrating it must be to try to teach a whole classroom of kids how to use technology. When I have been the "student," it has been most frustrating for me to have the one trying to teach me just click away, go here, there, and everywhere -- and then tell me to replicate what he just did. I can't, of course! And in a technology classroom, where I've been a student several times, it's tough for both the teacher and student because of the enormous difference in skill levels of the pupils. One class I had last summer, with Dr. McCarthy, I thought worked quite well. Before we even touched the machines, he did lots of talking and we did lots of notetaking -- and just this conceptual idea we gained, as well as the notes really prepared the way when we actually got to the machines. I found that, at home, I could use the notes very effectively to help me find my way in completing the assignments.

-- Anonymous, April 11, 1999

Hi Cindy! Utilizing students for computer related duties and tasks is an excellent idea. In fact we currently do that at Proctor High School. I oversee a student who is able to help troubleshoot computers, create his own web page area and do misc. computer related tasks. They are called TechMasters. I require the TechMasters to have a GPA of 3.8 or above, excellent attendance, a proficiency in computers and of course, a decent attitude. They in turn, get a grade and a credit for their work.

A few cautions though -- you do not want them to get too close to main systems so they do not get into sensitive areas. A second thing is to prepare to spend a lot of time setting up the program and building a relationship with the TechMaster. There is a definite level of trust that is established Other than that, it has worked really well for us!

-- Anonymous, April 12, 1999