Computer Labs in Schools vs Laptops per Student

Advantages to Computer Labs

• Technical assistance in the lab
• Computers are monitored
  
• Allows more students simultaneous access as opposed to one computer in each classroom

Disadvantages to Computer Labs

• Time in lab is limited
• Have to schedule time in lab
• Have to get all the students and their supplies together to walk across the school to the lab
• Students may forget something they need
• Have to plan projects ahead during class time then wait for lab time

Advantages to Laptops

• Portable within the school and outside the classroom
• Portable for field trips and investigations
• Provides immediate data processing and graphic feedback
• Immediate feedback and analysis allows next-step decision making in the field
• Allows file-sharing
• Facilitates group work and collaboration
• Generates reports and presentations
• Flexible and inventive uses
• Access to expert resources on the Internet or through e-mail

Classroom Management Techniques while using Laptops

• Do not tolerate the misuse of laptops
• Designate "Think Time" or "Lids Down" time when students must direct their attention to the teacher or facilitator
• Plan ahead for re-charging batteries
• Install identical software programs
• Set up shortcuts to software programs
• Ask students to save files in a specific directory