My latest communication issue involves teaching in a computer lab. I have too many students in the classroom with to few computers, so I initially started out on a bad foot with my class. I explained that I am trying to get them what they need, although it is difficult.
Now that the class size is decreased, I am having a problem with some of the students logging in to FaceBook and various webpages. I continually walk and lecture around the room, and when I see the students off task, I call their name and focus some attention on them. Sometimes, I will do a quick "stand behind them until they realize I am watching them ignore me" or "stare until they realize I am focusing on them and so is the rest of the class because I stopped talking."
What other suggestions do you have regarding the management in a classroom where you cannot be over the shoulder of your students all the time? I don't want to smile too much or they think I'm a pushover. I don't want them to stay on the computers while I'm lecturing. Any suggestions?