The document discusses techniques and tools for managing a computer lab, emphasizing the need to adapt traditional classroom management practices to the unique environment of a computer lab. Key considerations include the physical setup of the lab, the establishment of clear rules and routines, and the effective use of technology for management. Overall, flexibility and repetition are crucial for success in a computer lab setting, which often features less frequent and varied student interactions.

1. Techniques, Tips & Tools for
Managing a Computer Lab
Classroom management for the classroom that isn’t one...
Simple K12.com webinar - 8/8/13
Chris Casal
Technology Coordinator/Teacher
P. S. 10 Brooklyn (15K010)
ccasal@ps10.org
Twitter: @mr_casal
Thursday, August 8, 13

2. Introduction
A computer lab is a classroom
but it also isn’t
Classroom management techniques will work... sort
of...
Computer lab management needs to be an adaptation
of traditional techniques that leverage technology &
battle infrequency
Thursday, August 8, 13

3. Computer Lab
Short term
Less frequent
1:1 (or close to it)
Traditional jobs, roles, techniques wont necessarily
translate to the computer lab environment
Thursday, August 8, 13

4. Physical Space
Set up your lab
for easy flow
easy sight lines
enable best use of available devices
Remember it’s most likely a “fixed space”
secure desks/tables
movement isn’t common
small group work not as frequent
Thursday, August 8, 13

5. Rules & Routines
Just like a normal class, but truncated
single period
once a week
account for less repetition & plan ample review
Think about the above points when creating rules &
routines
simplicity is key
Thursday, August 8, 13

6. Roles
Regular classrooms have student jobs
Does your computer lab need them? Maybe not...
I use the “monitors” or “messengers” from
homeroom as needed
I do have daily/weekly assigned “tweeters”
Thursday, August 8, 13

7. My Lab
30 iMacs & 3 MacBooks
28-32 students per class
22 different classes per week
grades 2-5
~700 students
takes me ~1 month to get a classroom teacher’s
single day “face time”
My rules, routines, and expectations are clear &
consistent throughout
Thursday, August 8, 13

8. My Lab
Thursday, August 8, 13

9. My Lab
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10. Tech Tools
Apple Remote Desktop
Apple’s own product - Mac only
often bundled with edu server purchases
SMART Sync
offers 30 day trial
Mac & Windows compatibility
Netop Vision
offers free trail
Mac & Windows compatibility
Multiple version including tablet functionality
Thursday, August 8, 13

11. Live Demo
Apple Remote Desktop
Thursday, August 8, 13

12. Leverage the Tech
Use management software
lock the screens for instant re-focus
take, and print, screenshots of inappropriate use
share screens to demonstrate student best-practices
do the first 2 a lot at the beginning and you’ll likely
get to do far more of the 3rd the rest of the year
Thursday, August 8, 13

13. Summary
A computer lab is a classroom
but it also isn’t
adapt your rules, routines, roles, expectations
accordingly
Leverage the technology - students are there to learn,
show them some of the power technology affords you
(but don’t abuse that power) and the results will be
evident
It’s not a “1 teacher 30 student” situation, don’t treat it
as such - flexibility & repetition are key
Thursday, August 8, 13

14. Contact
Christopher M. Casal
Technology Teacher/Coordinator
P. S. 10 (15K010)
Email: ccasal@ps10.org
Twitter: @mr_casal
Diigo: mrcasal
www.mrcasal.com
thecasalos.blogspot.com
ps10ipads.wikispaces.com
Thursday, August 8, 13