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
