Establishing an ICT Centre in your classroom

Introduction

This book has been written for teachers who are in the frontline of teaching; within a crowded curriculum, with the demands of having to use this computer and integrate it into the curriculum.

This is not a book of theory but of practical ideas. This book is a realistic guide on to how to approach using computers in an integrated curriculum. All methods have been trialed by myself and many other teachers I have worked with.

It is a culmination of 15 years experience working with computers, children and teachers. It is a book that has been asked to be written by many teachers and it is a combination of many courses I have run over the last few years.

There are 6 chapters, a synopsis of each chapter follows

The Physical Setup of the Classroom

Teachers need to set up a computer learning centre in the classroom as most of the time it is usually just a computer sitting on a table with no apparent connection to teaching and learning. This chapter explores the possible problems they may encounter and the potential solutions covering the placement of a computer area.

Example from page one.

Developing Management Techniques

Teachers’ greatest difficulties are managing the time children spend on the computer. This chapter looks at how time management charts and systems can be put into place that will make children independent and ensure equitable access to all.

 Example page

Getting to know your computer

Teachers and children need to know about their computer hardware and what the different parts are. The activities enable the children to learn the different parts of the computer in a fun way.

Teaching Troubleshooting tips to children

One of the most disruptive things that can happen in a classroom is when something goes wrong with the computer. This chapter gives some basic troubleshooting ideas that can be shared with children.

Teaching keyboarding skills

Keyboarding skills need to be developed from an early age. This does not mean that we expect five year olds to touch type, but even from five years old children can learn some basics of the keyboard. This chapter provides some helpful ideas and games that you can use to start a keyboarding programme in your class.

Curriculum Starter ideas

This chapter has some basic ideas of activities in math, writing and reading. All activities can be put into an authentic context with most of them able to be completed in less than 20 minutes. There is also an overview of the type of skills children may complete in the course of using computers in the classroom.