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Classroom Management:

In a self-contained classroom, set up a rotation schedule throughout the day. Allow students adequate time at the computer to complete the assigned task. Send them to the computer in pairs or alone depending on the assignment. Consider using Friday as a "catch up" day with no regular computer schedule, but rather to provide extra time for students who did not finish or students who were absent. For some projects, some students may be able to do the activity on-line, while others do it off-line. Alternate computer access so that throughout the year, every child gets a chance to do an on-line project.

With an all day rotation schedule, understand that some students might miss directed teaching. Assign all students an "academic buddy." It is the academic buddy's job to relay class information that the student at the computer may have missed. Also make use of "computer tutors."

In a departmentalized classroom, use the resource center for obtaining quick information to be used for class discussion or background set. If students have an assignment to complete, the rotation schedule could take a week or more. Send the students to the computer in pairs or alone. Use the "academic buddy" system and "computer tutors" as outlined above. Also consider the idea of parallel on-line and off-line assignments.

In either a self-contained or departmentalized classroom, be sure to allow discussion or sharing time when all students have completed the assignment. Make the critical links from the assignment to the area of study. Sometimes this is not obvious for students.

Ideas:

• Use teacher created on-line worksheets - correct a sentence; color maps to answer specified questions; color text to identify parts of speech, rhyming words, or key words in a math problem; etc. (Storyweb)
• Practice skills. (Spellbound with customized word list)
• Do journal writing. (Student Writing Center)
• Use a Calculator to check math work.
• Use an on-line tutor.
• Use a Thesaurus for writing.
• Use an on-line dictionary.
• Do Individual research on the Internet or using a CD. (Grolier, US Atlas, etc.)
• Create a brochure for travel to a place studied in reading or social studies.
• Create a business card for a character in history.
• Use a treasure hunt for introduction, research, or practice. (Astronomy Worksheet)
• Complete Wacky Web Tales.
• Do self-checking or quickly checked worksheets. (Plant Parts, Silly Sally, Bathtub, English Punctuation)
• Practice technology skills with "Step Sheets." (business card directions)
• Take a quiz.
• Type spelling or vocabulary words - illustrate if possible.
• E-mail an expert for information.
• Plan personal fitness.
• Play a game!
• Use a fast food analyzer to check out eating habits.
• Learn key phrases in a foreign language.
• Use a multiple language dictionary.

Hints:

• Use a timer to rotate students.
• Use a simple checklist to keep track of who has completed his/her turn.
• Assign 4 to 6 students as "tutors" to assist children working on the computer.
• Always relate the work at the computer to the class curriculum.
• Use stationery/templates to create worksheets.
• Use a database for students to enter work.