Integrating computers and lectures using a computer lab
How would this help me keep students from checking their email or myspace accounts, when we are focusing on reading, but using a computer lab for lectures?
Hi Patricia,
I teach various courses where I integrate computers and lectures. I set my ground rules from DAY 1. I simply tell my studens that they are not allowed on the computers unless given my permission, otherwise they will be reprimanded. I rarely have problems with students on myspace, email, internet, etc. Adult students normally give their instructors the utmost respect. Simply let your students know you will not tolerate them being on the computer without your permission on DAY 1; it really works.
Patricia
I walk around my classroom during the class period. In so doing, my students know that not only am I alert, but available for questions or clarification. This appears to lessen the extra unplanned activity. Prior to the class period, I inform students that such activity is not acceptable.
Hi Samuel,
I never understood how an instructor could teach a computer class and sit. It is almost imperative to stand and walk around the classroom. You are abosolutely correct when you walk around, students know that you are on alert, and students are more likely to ask for help/clarification when you walk around. If you are sitting students may think it is a bother for you to get up and answer their questions. I am a very energetic instructor, and I constantly monitor my computer classes.
Patricia
I think I will have to walk around the classroom more. I never really had much of a problem with the students playing on the computers until this phase. I know insurance billing is not interesting but I'm trying to make it that way.
Any other suggestions in getting them more involved and attentative?
Hi Tanya,
I generally do not have a problem with my students playing on the computer either. It seems as though when I have more of the Generation Y students in my class, they tend to want to play on the computers more. I normally nip playing on the computer in the bud on Day 1.
My insurance billing instructor normally lets her students work in groups. Then students tend to enjoy the group setting. Try the group approach with your students.
Patricia
I walk around the room to monitor students while they are on the computer. Plus, allow them some "downtime" on the computer when they have finished their work or at the end of class.
Hello Cori,
It is imperative to walk around the room to monitor students' use of the computer. If the student knows you will monitor the room he or she will be very hesitant to go to websites or do things on the computer that should not be done during that alloted class time. I too reward my students with some "downtime" as well. It is almost mean to never let them explore the computer. It motivates my students when they know after they have completed their work, they can get on the computer.
Patricia
I have several online computer courses that my students need to complete before I can start the instructor led class. I have found the more personal interaction I can have with the students the better. I understand that this should be independent learning but many of the students are not disciplined enough to go through the course and learn from it.
I also tell them straight up that their participation grade will be deeply affected if they aren't working on the computer. While they may be occupying space in the classroom, they aren't "attending" if they're not working on in-class assignments or projects.
In spite of this, (and in spite of school block-out attempts) some will still be chatting on myspace and facebook, or watching youtube videos. They get a "0" for the day, and with attendance/participation grades at 15-20% of the overall grade, those zeros can result in the loss of a full letter grade.
Hi Joseph,
How interesting, we have a similar policy at my institution as well. Our attendance/participation grade is worth 10%, and I have seen where this can make a difference for a student either favorable or unfavorable. The policy does curtail a lot of students from doing things in the computer lab that they should not be doing. It is an effective policy.
Patricia
Walking around the room does help, but I have also noticed that the student will shrink the browser and be working on the assignment when I pass by. If I see this I usually tell the student to close the browser and move on.
Hello Charles,
I do the same thing, and I also tell them, please not to do it again during class time. Most students listen.
Patricia
Patricia,
I agree most listen, but I have also been known to just walk by and pull the plug out of the PC to stop it. I have lecture classes in a PC lab and I have done this a couple of times in different classes. Pulling the plug once during the quarter usually takes care of the problem if asking nice does not.
Hi Charles,
I've done a similar thing, just by turning off the monitor. :o) This normally works takes care of the problem too.
Patricia
I will also be teaching one of my classes in a computer lab. I like the idea of a class participation grade, but my institution won't allow me to use that. I intend to make clear from the 1st day of class that on lecture days, students are not allowed on the computers without my permission. On lab days they are to work on classwork only. When they have finished their classwork, they may work on their homework assignments. The last 5 min of class, they can check their e-mail. I will walk around the class to ensure that they are working on appropriate subjects, but also so that I can assist anyone who has questions. There will probably be some students who will manage to get away with doing other things on the computer, but they will be hurting themselves, not the rest of the class. -Jeanne
The participation grade should curtail facebook and social media surfing. I teach graphics in a computer lab and will instrument this.
