Manage Students' Computer Use
Tips for Keeping Kids on Task When Using Technology in the Classroom
May 28, 2008
A computer can be a valuable tool in a classroom. It can also be a portal to distraction for many students. Firewalls help block inappropriate sites but cannot keep students from other distractions. Computer labs sometimes are equipped with monitoring software, and student accounts can be monitored for inappropriate activity. Teacher awareness, however, is still the most immediate and affective management tool available.
Classroom Layout
When deciding how to arrange a classroom a teacher must consider many things in order to keep students engaged in learning. The computer should be part of this consideration. Whether arranging a single computer, small cluster or an entire lab, the positioning of the computer should promote student learning while allowing the teacher to easily monitor performance and engagement.
Though many teachers are more comfortable with students facing them, it is easier to monitor students on a computer when their back is to the teacher. This can be achieved by putting the computer on the outer wall of the room or arranging a lab so that the teacher is frequently behind the desks.
Walking around the room can assist with monitoring computer usage. It is advantageous to consider arrangements where it is not as obvious that the teacher is moving to a spot where the computer screen can be easily viewed. This reduces the chance that a student will stray to unauthorized software or web surfing.
Computer Setup
Check the computer for potentially distracting software. Most come preloaded with games which, unless being used for an educational purpose, should be removed. Also look for any software that is not to be used in class and have this removed, too. By limiting students to only what they should be using, the temptation to play with something else is reduced.
The Internet is a primary source for distraction. If the computer is not frequently needed for online research, then consider having a way to disconnect it from the school network. This is not always possible, especially if the school has school-wide student accounts.
Teacher Awareness
Being present in the classroom and walking around to monitor students is useful and an important part to general classroom management. Students sometimes forget they are being observed when using the computer in class. Remember to speak to students, ask questions about the assignment and take an occasional glance at what is on the computer screen.
Students can be sneaky and try to hide that they are not staying on task. Two ways they do this is within a web browser and the task bar. When looking at a student’s computer, screen check the task bar, usually located at the bottom of the monitor. This bar will show what programs are running. If a student is using a web browser for the assignment check the top of the browser window for extra tabs. These tabs might be legitimate for the assignment, but also could be hiding an online game, email access or other online diversion.
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