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Educational Computer Labs
Computer labs need to be operated in a professional manner with rules that are enforced. A computer “hack” might be needed for technical assistance, but always maintain an educational environment.
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The People Who Run Computer Labs
When organizing a computing lab to teach typing, problems will likely be encountered. Sadly, computer labs in educational environments are frequently grouped into a large room which is administered by a staff member or teacher, who has other duties that occupy most of their attention. Thus, daily administration tends to fall into the hands of computer "hacks." Although these hacks are a nice, gentle "breed of people," getting them to operate a computer lab in a professional, business-like environment is often a difficult and frustrating task. Their focus is on technical problems, not teacher-oriented problems.
If you are a typing teacher, at the start of each school term, meet with the person in charge of the computer lab. Ask him/her what your students can do to assure the smooth operation of the lab. Also inquire about rules governing student conduct.
A schedule day and time when the lab is reserved for beginning typing students is very important. They are trying to master basic computer skills as well as master basic keyboarding skills. After your students get "into the program," they will know what to expect and the distractions of others can be somewhat tolerated. Except for the first couple of meetings, disruptions harm the educational process, so try to get an exclusive time for the first few sessions. Always ask for a reserved section of the lab if class size does not require the entire lab.
However, all students, both typing students and others, should understand that there is to be no talking, no clowning around, and no "game playing" on the computer. Full concentration is required to develop touch typing skills, which is very difficult if someone is talking, wandering around, or playing games.
Computer Lab Rules
A few well-posted, computer lab rules are needed. No one wants to be the "enforcer," but without enforcement, the rules quickly become a joke. You might want to consider the following rules for your computer learning environment.
Suggestions/Rules for Operating a Computer Lab
No food or drinks are permitted!
Food particles and liquids are the death of a computer’s keyboard.
No loitering!
Computer hacks should not be permitted to "hang out" around a lab. Their presence is distracting, and they should be told to leave (actually the term is to "get a life!").
Positively no smoking!
Students are the least of your problems on this rule. It's the faculty that will dart into the room for a quick puff. Airborne smoke particles get into the keyboard and can cause key bounce. Key bounce occurs when a key is typed and two characters appear.
No game playing!
Computer games are a distraction and disrupt the educational process. If there are people “surfing the web” without a specific academic objective, they should be asked to leave.
Repair equipment when it breaks!
All equipment should be in working order with no extension cords lying about to create problems.
Minimize glare.
Cover all windows, even if the lab appears to be too dark. Of course, this can be a problem. Administrators often want to show off their “state of the art facilities” and may want a “white room” type of environment. Use common sense to get a balanced atmosphere.
Clean the work area.
The floors, desktops, and the computer screens should be kept clean. Perhaps you can get the custodian to clean the floor, maybe even the desktop, but don't have them clean the computer screens (they will probably use a mop with dirty water, or the cloth for washing the sinks). However, computer screens need to be cleaned often.
Be a hero!
Do not allow dust and fingerprints to accumulate on the computer screen as it may cause eyestrain. Buy a bottle of window cleaner and some soft, disposable rags (common white hand towels). Give the screens a "once-over" every couple of weeks.
Post the lab schedule.
In addition to posted lab hours, clearly indicate the time when your keyboarding students have priority.
Distribute the schedule.
Others should avoid using the computers when you are conducting a class, but this can be relaxed later on in the course. However, if you start with a relaxed requirement, it is difficult to tighten up requirements later. Do not have another teacher parade his/her students into the lab during your class.
Identify which computers the students are to use.
If certain computers are off limits, explain why.
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