Lab+Procedures

** Lab Procedures **


 * Asking for help **
 * I use a flag system, where students have a laminated flag with their computer number on it. There is a piece of velcro on the back of the machine and on the flag. Students put up their flag when they need help.
 * I have a "Three Before Me' rule. If a student has a question, they ask the student to their left (#1), then on their right (#2), then themselves again. If none of those 3 people know the answer, THEN they raise their hand to ask me.
 * I give out folders that are to be kept in the classroom and any handouts I give them must be added to this. I also use Moodle to post directions for the assignments and they turn the assignments in through this. My rule is they must check the handout and Moodle first. If they don't have those two resources in front of them I will not answer their question until they do. 90% of questions are answered once they refer to these.
 * I have Remote Desktop from apple and am able to lock all the students computers
 * The students use colored cups to get the teachers attention. Green,yellow, and red cups are stacked next to each computer. If the student is doing okay, they leave the green cup on top. If they have a question, they place the yellow cup on top. If there is an emergency, theyuse the red cup.


 * Entering the room **
 * students have assigned seats so that no time is wasted coming in and getting settled. In a non-server-based environment it helps keep track of student files. ( I allow my students to change their seats at the beginning of each marking period based on their grade from the past marking period. (wait! Don't judge me just yet!). The students with the highest grades choose their seats first. Then I place the students with the lowest grades where I want them (on the ends of the rows, away from each other), then the 'middle of the road' kiddos get to choose who they want to sit with.)
 * My students put all their books and belongings on the floor beneath their chairs. this keeps the items out of the aisle and off the keyboards!
 * My students type for the first 15 minutes every day (district directive). They come in type drills and quizzes and then start on the day's project.
 * My students dont carry bookbags, so they place their books to their right towards the back of the table, so everything is out of the way.
 * I project directions on my IWB so students don't ask "What should we do now"
 * I have set procedures when students enter. All students do the same thing for the first 10 minutes (log in, check grades, typing)
 * I have 5x8 index cards at each computer that has the student's name, login name, hr, day & time. I write the computer number in the upper right (we change each trimester). I write on the card if the student is absent and what the student missed.


 * Leaving the room **
 * My students are required to log off, put the keyboard cover back over the keys and return the keyboard under the computer (I have a Mac lab with G5s and Intels). They are expected to return all materials to my desk, the closet or the bin on their desk. They also need to push their chairs in before they leave the room. If they forget, the entire class has to practice standing up and pushing their chairs in at the beginning of the next class. The number of repetitions is based on the number of students who forgot to push their chairs in.
 * pk has to close out of their program, turn off their monitor and push in their chair.
 * k - 2 has to close programs and log off, push in chairs and stand behind chairs before lining up.
 * 3 - 8 logs off or prepares for pk by logging on another machine. push in chairs, gather belongings and line up.
 * Bathroom log
 * Chairs under desks, log out
 * To gain student attention say "jazz hands". Students will stop their work, put their hands in the air, and look at the teacher for further instruction


 * Saving **
 * I have an egg timer that I set for 10 minutes. When the bell rings, my students save. They are a bit like Pavlov's dogs now in that they Apple+S every time they hear a bell. :-)
 * We are switching over to Google docs so it saves automatically.
 * Save early and save often
 * have a folder for each class
 * have a write-only folder to turn assignments in


 * Organizing Materials**
 * I purchased plastic magazine holders and put one by each computer. It holds the headphones, a notebook, instructions for the current project and any other materials that they may need. Each bin has the corresponding computer number on it so each student knows where 'their' stuff is.
 * I am blessed with a TON of shelf space in my room. I have a shelf for each of my classes. On the shelf for each class is the lost and found, notebook with assignments, supplies needed for projects, and any other materials for that class. The lost and found section has been utilized the most. I simply collect any items left behind (as reported by the next class) and put them on the shelf for that class. When students come to my room looking for their books, notebooks, pencils, etc. they just go to the shelves. They do not disturb my current class. The only exception is purses and other valuables. I keep those in a locked closet and kiddos have to come get those during lunch or before/after school.
 * I purchase a folder for each student with tabs (for 3 hole punched sheets) and pockets. I make my own handouts as we don't have books. All handouts they are to keep have been hole punched and are to be put in on the tabs in the folder and the folder returned to the magazine holders beside each computer. I have 6th-8th grade so I collect the folder at the end of the year and it follows them till they "graduate" 8th when they can take it with them.


 * Reporting troubles and issues**
 * Students are to report problems with the computer right away. I hold the previous student responsible for any problems or issues with the computers in my lab. If a key is missing, or the desktop background has been changed, then I blame the student in the previous class IF it is like that at the beginning of class. As soon as my students enter the room, they conduct a 'pre-flight' check of their computer and desktop and report any issues immediately. Because my computer lab is used by various teachers with their classes throughout the day, my classes are very good at letting me know when things are amiss!


 * Caring for the room and equipment **


 * Students are taught how to clean the monitors, keyboards, mice and cpu.
 * Students are taught to be careful with wiring and what to do to keep them neat.
 * Keeping a clear pathway.