K-8 Computer Lab Teachers

Hello. I am not sure if there is a discussion out there for computer lab teachers yet. If not, I would like to start one so we can bounce ideas and resources off each other. I spent my first year teaching as a computer lab teacher. At first I was hesitant because I thought I would be a classroom teacher. Now, I love it and feel I am in the right place at the right time.

This September I start my second year only this time i am at a Chicago Public School with 600+ students. I have a lot of work to do to prepare and would love to talk with anyone about tips, tricks, what to avoid, etc.

Thanks,
Jeremiah Olson

Tags: computer, lab, labs

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Permalink Reply by Kelley Irish on November 2, 2007 at 6:55pm

Here is my wiki where you can check out classroom projects and assignments. I have some slide shows that highlight student work, some documents you can download, a sample photostory, and pictures of some of the extension projects. A few include Westpoint Bridge Design program and the bridges the kids built with gumdrops and tooth picks. A sketchup project where the kids built wooden models to go along with thewir drawings. Let me know if there is anything you would like lesson copies of

http://computerkiddoswiki.pbwiki.com

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Permalink Reply by Kate Pomroy on November 13, 2007 at 11:28am

Just adding a bit into the discussion - totally off-subject, but pertinent all the same. I represent Chester Creek, manufacturers of computer keyboards and mice for children, students and special ed departments. We have recently introduced a computer keyboard called the LessonBoard that is color-coded by finger for the instruction of correct keyboarding techniques. The keyboard matches a Web-based software for a comprehensive typing "system" - complete with administrative tools. Does anyone agree that this is much needed in computer labs??? Go to the Chester Creek website and check out the "LessonBoard" - this doesn't explain the software (which is still in development), but does show the keyboard.

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Permalink Reply by Amber Coggin on November 13, 2007 at 3:21pm

Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has posted their wikis, blogs, and websites for us newbies to check out! :)

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Permalink Reply by Brenda Hallowes on November 16, 2007 at 1:45pm

Hi Jeremaih, it's great to meet another computer lab teacher. I live in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. I teach in a Prep school (grades 1 to 3). The learners just love coming to the lab. They have an hour a week. Each classroom also has one of our old computers since the lab was upgraded at the beginning of this year. I have 16 workstations and a server. We don't have an internet connection yet. I have tried hard but the principal is just not into it. She's heard all the horror stories about the internet and I think she's afraid it will be abused.

I work at integrating the classroom programme with the kids lab time. We do have a "canned currulum" ie a commercially prepared bank of lessons but I find some of them are pretty dull and I end up making my own lessons.
I look forward to hearing more about your experiences.

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Permalink Reply by David Kapuler on January 17, 2008 at 10:37am

I do the same thing in an El Ed school in a NW suburb of Chicago, Mt. Prospect. We have about 600 students, 30 classrooms, and I service 40 emacs in a computer lab, 30 macbooks in a mobile cart, and around 50 teacher machines, ranging from imacs to macbooks.

If there is anything I can help u w/ please ask.

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Permalink Reply by Erin McGuyer on February 20, 2008 at 11:11am

I was wondering if anybody could share some lessons they use for MS Excel. I need basic activites as I am not an expert myself but want to introduce it to my 7th graders.
Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Amber Coggin on February 20, 2008 at 12:39pm

You can find some excel lessons here.

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Permalink Reply by Michele Burns on March 7, 2008 at 5:58am

Hi Erin, here's a lesson using Excel. I have been doing this with the 6th grade but it would be perfect in 7th as well!

http://www.wmburgweb.com/Resources/Lesson/index.htm

This lesson has students researching calories and fat in fast food restaurants then inputting their findings into a spreadsheet. It comes with rubrics, instructions and samples.

Good Luck!

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Permalink Reply by Gerald Logan on March 9, 2008 at 7:38pm

I have used this with grade 8 students. Works well in light of March Madness starting

Attachments:

Basketball Instructions.doc, 141 KB
Basketball Stats.xls, 12 KB

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Permalink Reply by Gerald Logan on March 9, 2008 at 7:40pm

We did 30 Hour Famine with World Vision one year. I used this assignment with the students.

Attachments:

30 Hour Project.xls, 18 KB

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Permalink Reply by Erin McGuyer on March 10, 2008 at 7:12am

Thanks so much for all the lessons using excel. Now do you guys have any for access that you can share with me?

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Permalink Reply by Batavia Domingue on March 4, 2008 at 6:53pm

OMG, this site ROCKS!!! I was so happy that I found you all. I have been struggling for the past 100+ days of school, trying to figure out what I need to be doing in the lab. I often wondered if I was the only person in the world whose school found out that they have a person on campus that has a BA in Technology and just stuck them in a computer lab with no teaching experience. HAHA. I am NOT ALONE anymore.

It's so nice to meet you all. I look forward to learning and commandeering your ideas (i.e. stealing but giving you credit of course) and using them for the greater good. GBUA.