Classroom Use: Management
Explore the following considerations in managing classrooms that are using Internet-based resources.
Ability Levels
For some students, the Internet is just too abstract. They may have difficulty understanding the organization of information and the concept of hypermedia. Consider a variety of assignments to meet individual needs in the classroom. Some might access sites that require a lower or higher reading level. Some websites may have fewer or more illustrations to maintain motivation. Consider the needs of both your lowest and highest level students. Planning can help students of all ability levels better understand the project.
Speed
Develop a realistic timeline for yourself and your students. Your project will become frustrating rather than fun if you and your students are constantly pressured by deadlines. Build in a cushion for problems or slow workers.
You'll find that the time students take to develop and work with projects varies tremendously. Keep this in mind as you design your project. Build in remedial activities for slow learners and challenging activities for fast learners. Don't expect every student to read everything. Make it clear to students what's most important. Also provide a schedule so students know how to budget their time.
Know your schedule. Don't start something right before a break or at the very beginning of the year when it's hectic.
Grouping Students
In most schools, there's simply not enough Internet access to provide one computer for each student. There's a good chance students will need to work in small groups. As you form groups, look for the natural leader. Work with these leaders to make certain they understand the importance of involving all group members. Consider assigning roles that will rotate during the project so all students get a chance to use the technology and also to read, write, think, and share.
Internet Access
You'll find that the Internet can be really slow. This is particularly true during certain parts of the day. Sometimes you may lose your connection entirely or the site you need may be down. Look for the slow times and anticipate down times. Design off-computer activities that can be accomplished in conjunction with on-computer activities.
Email is often an important component of an Internet project. Before the project starts, determine the email address you will be using. Don't use your personal email. Instead, get a class email address or an address for each small group. Decide what role students can take in project management. For example, students may be able to send out standard replies and post responses if they have a form letter or template to use.
Use email to generate excitement in the project. Start with activities that will help students and classes get to know each other. You may even wish to exchange photos, audio greetings, and web sites.
At the end of the project, put a group of students in charge of thanking participants. You could also involve them in evaluating the project.
Computer Schedule
Be certain that students have adequate time to use the computer. Consider a rotation schedule that provides students at least 20 minutes at a time on the computer individually or in pairs. Be sure that you build in adequate time for groups to complete their daily work, such as email or web page development. Some teachers use the morning for regularly scheduled activities and the afternoon for special projects. High school teachers often build a Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday schedule for their students during project weeks and leave Friday for special topics.
File Management
Whether you have one computer in your classroom or a dozen, file management will be a major concern. Develop a project folder containing individual student folders and group work folders. If you have more than one computer, you may be able to share the folder over a network. Use a standard naming system to make management easier. Otherwise, you'll end up with lots of files named "project" and "research." Consider downloading web pages that you will be using regularly as information resources.
As you manage your classroom, consider the following elements:
- Ability Levels
- Speed
- Grouping Students
- Internet Access
- Email
- Computer Schedule
- File Management