The general concensus within the schools is, keep the computer labs,
while adding the computers to the classrooms. Our teachers feel that the
labs are a very useful learning experience for the children--they are
able to practice skills, (such as in math), work on language skills, esl,
writing, word-processing, science and social studies simulations--just to
name a few.
We would like some information if anyone can help us here. We need some
evidence in support of computer labs. If you use them in your
school--whether you be a teacher, aide, technology coordinator or some
other personnel--please send us the following information.
1. How many computers in your lab--and what kind are they?
2. Is the lab staffed by an aide, a teacher--or does the classroom
teacher bring her class in and use it with them.
3. Have you found that the children's skills increased in any subject as
a direct result of using the lab? <If possible, documentation showing
growth in scores>.
4. Please name some areas that you think the computer lab covers better
than a single, or several computers in a classroom could. (For instance,
since all children are using the computers at the same time, they can
learn the software together, without repeated instructions in the
classroom with each new user; More time to devote JUST to computer
learning, etc)
Finally--ANY and ALL support you can give in favor of maintaining
computer labs will be sincerely appreciated.
Sue Siwirski
sues@liberty.liberty.com