This document provides guidelines for proper computer use and etiquette. It lists rules such as respecting equipment, avoiding food/drink near computers, not modifying desktop settings without approval, working cooperatively, keeping the computer area clear, and being self-managed. Students are told to get help from computer monitors before teachers, not install unauthorized games or software, and adhere to assigned roles and time limits during computer sessions. Proper computer use and following these guidelines will help equipment last and sessions run smoothly.

1. Respect the equipment (remember it cost a lot of money)
Press lightly on the keyboard (thumping it will eventually break
the keys and then we may have to do without our computer for a
few weeks while we wait for it to be fixed!)
No food or drink by any computer equipment (teacher needs to
set the example here; I have seen a lot of coffee stained
keyboards!)
Please don’t ride the chairs (this applies only if you have the
swivel chairs on rollers)
If you have a problem see the computer monitor first before you
ask the teacher
Please don’t bring software or download games on our computer
as it is illegal (this is getting harder to do as most schools are on
a network and you need to have administrator privileges to do
this, but it still applies for the standalone machines)
Please don’t change the desktop setup without the whole class
approval (there is always one child who knows how to get rid of
the Start Menu or has downloaded the latest desktop pattern or
screensaver to do with whatever is popular at the time. Or they
are really good at getting rid of all the shortcuts that you need)
Please work co-operatively and collaboratively at the computer
centre (I have used this one many times when I hear some
dissention at the computer area I call out ‘are you working co-
operatively and collaboratively together?’ The answer is always
yes!)
Please keep to the roles assigned to you for your session (that is
of keyboard monitor, mouse monitor, director, recorder and
observer
Please don’t take the mouse off the mouse operator
Book specific digital equipment by writing your name on the
Whiteboard timetables
Record tasks that you have completed on individual recording
sheets
Spend the allotted time only at the computer (this could be
anywhere between 15 to 30 minutes), if you don’t finish you will
have wait until it is your turn again
Keep computer centre clear of clutter and unnecessary items
Be self managing and organised, know what you need to do and
how you are going to do it!