Help--There's a Computer in My Classroom!

Alison Ball

• Publisher: David Fulton Publishers
• Year: 2018
• Print ISBN: 9781138373037
• eBook ISBN: 9781136780646
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Education
• Subtopic: Education General

Mastering basic computer skills can be a daunting task for any busy teacher. This book provides a solution with simple instructions backed up by pictures of what the computer screen should look like at each stage of an activity. Use this book to: find out what your computer can do; save and organise work on your computer; create activities for chil

Section One

Managing the use of the Computer

Chapter 1

Rules for Using the Class Computer

This chapter sets out some ideas for establishing rules and procedures for using the classroom computer. These would easily apply to any computers within the school.

It is important to have rules for using the computer, just as it is important for the children to have class rules. They need to learn from an early age that computers are electrical machines. As such, they need to be looked after in order to make them last!

It is better to leave the computer on all day than to continually turn it on and off at the beginning and end of each session/lesson, as this is what causes the most wear to the actual components of the computers. Power it up at the beginning of each day, and then just turn off the monitor when it is not in use.

Obviously, it is good practice to talk through and develop the rules with the children in class. Here are some thoughts on the points that should be covered. These would be in the agreed wording: class, age and skill appropriate.

• Respect others in the class by making sure the computer is ready for them – only touch the computer when it is your go!
• Only turn the computer on or off if the teacher tells you to.
• If the computer does something you are not sure about, ask an adult.
• Work quietly and sensibly on the computer.
• Save your work in a suitable place – either in your own folder or on your own floppy disc or CD ROM.
• Save your work as soon as you have started. Keep saving as you work: REMEMBER Ctrl + S.
• If the computer crashes tell an adult.
• The computer has been set up so it is easy to work at. Only change things if your teacher allows you.
• If you are working at the computer, remember others may be waiting for a turn! Work as quickly as you can to complete the task.
• Help others who are working on the computer by leaving them alone. Only help them if the teacher says you can.
• When working with a partner or as part of a group share the computer! People learn by using their own skills – help each other by making sure you each have a go at typing, playing or drawing.
• Print only one copy of your work unless told otherwise.
• Do not wait while the computer is printing. Save and close your file and tell the teacher so someone else can start working.
• If you are working on the Internet only visit sites related to your work.
• The Internet is a huge library of information – it is important that you NEVER give your name and address if asked. Always tell your teacher if you are asked for any information about yourself.
• Do not download any information or games unless your teacher has agreed. If you continually save information on the computer it will slow down as there is less available memory.
• If you have your own folder on the computer make sure you delete any files you no longer need. Check with your teacher before you delete anything. If you have your own disc make sure you regularly delete unwanted files.
• When working at the computer, sit properly.

Here are some examples of posters that could be used as a starting point, with instructions on how to create them in the next chapter.

Foundation Stage: Class Rules

Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1:

Key Stage 1

Our Computer Rules

Everyone will get a turn

Work as quickly as you can

Save your work

Check before you print

Look after the computer

Key Stage 2

Computer Rules

Make sure we all get a turn by:

• Sharing the computer fairly.
• Working together quietly and sensibly.
• Leaving the c...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Contents
• Introduction
• Section 1: Managing the use of the computer
• Section 2: Designing activities
• Section 3: Using the Internet
• Section 4: Auditing and organising the computer
• Section 5: Maintenance