Scouting out the classroom before the first Class Meeting
When teaching live courses, I always check out the room, equipment, and room temperature before the first class meeting. I make sure that I arrive in the class early the first meeting to make sure things are fine too. The biggest frustration that I have witnessed in computer courses is when equipment needs to be repaired and there are not enough computers if there is a computer out of order. I encourage the students to bring their own laptops to class. This not only helps with breakdowns, but it lets them continue working on their own computer between home, work, and class.
Hi Laurie,
Way to be flexible when faced with difficult situations like non-functioning equipment. This way your students see you as a person that puts their interests first.
Gary
I find, also, that even when I'm in the same lab as I was the day before, arriving early to double check the equipment is always a good idea. Sometimes something that was there the day before may not be there the next day and it's best to make sure every day that you have what you need. I was running behind today and as a result didn't check the lab properly and ended up being unprepared. Not a great feeling nor a great impression for the students.
Hi Rose,
Thanks for sharing this example of the all important "precheck" for class. It is worth the walk and time spent as you shared with your experience.
Gary
I find pre-checking the class room and the lab is almost a requirement to eliminate lost time. Our class schedule is very crowded. we normally have a class in the AM and 1 in the PM, with occasionally running 2 AM classes and 1 PM. All sharing the same the same lab. I also make sure the power point works and tables are in place.
Hi James,
I teach in a similar situation and I have found that I cannot leave anything to chance. I feel a lot more comfortable when I have checked the lab and I know my tools and supplies are there and ready to go.
Gary
I also like to know the ratio of students and computers. Often times the class sizes are big and I need to reserve two computer labs to allow each student to have their own computer. In the past I have been unable to reserve two labs, but instead have students partner up and share computers. This is beneficial for two reasons. First, it shows students my ability to be flexible and go with the flow; to avoid letting road blocks become obstacles. Second, it's a great opportunity for students to work together. This allows them to get to know each other, to see others' typing abilities, and to learn from each other in a computer lab.
I like the idea of encouraging students' to bring their laptops, I'll have to use that!
I will often change the layout of my class things such as tables chairs or desk arrangments so that the room feels diffrent than the normal classroom layout. Students seem to enjoy the diffrent feel and it puts them at ease.
