Labs vs. Classroom computers.

Tom Wetsel (twetsel@ac.net)
Fri, 5 Jul 1996 01:12:15 EDT

The discussion of labs or classroom computers is similar to a
discussion of what would you rather use a spoon or a fork to eat. Ice
cream is hard to eat with a fork, and spaghetti is hard to eat with a
spoon. I have read elegant papers on the use of classroom computers learning
centers and using technology to teach skills and content. But a
computer lab can teach the students the skills they need to operate
in the classroom computer centers. Classroom computer centers are
powerful when students
have been trained in a lab with each student having the skills needed
to operate the technology.

Our school started with classroom computers, and found many were not
being used by teachers. We have a technology lab, a business lab,
and two mini labs on the sixth and eight grade halls, plus about six
teachers have computers in their classrooms. Our goal this year is
to put a computer in the remaining 18 classrooms and network the
school. We are also have just purchased a 20 computer "Jostens Lab"
to be used for remediation.

Our remaining Technology Plan goal is to build the classroom
computer centers to five computers in each classroom and to
strengthen the curriculum software available.

After that....... A computer on every desk and in every home and a
spoon and fork at every plate.
Tom Wetsel
twetsel@ac.net
Middle School Technology Teacher
Troy, Montgomery County, NC