Tips for Teaching a Lab Class Lesson

The goal of our lab class is to teach skills that will be essential for integrating technology into general classroom subject matter.

Teaching lab class does not require a person with a degree in computers, a computer endorsement, or even require someone that is "into" computers. The following are just general tips for using our scope and sequence. They aren't much different from the usage guide included within the TechWorks kits available in the learning center. I've only modified them slightly to put more of an emphasis on the checklists than the lessons.

Before teaching the lesson:

* Look at the checklists and determine which items you are planning to work on with your class.
* Locate TechWorks sample lessons or teacher support materials that go with those checklist items.
* Read through the sample lessons and support material. Decide if you intend to use the lesson as is, if you will modify it, or if you plan to make a new lesson from scratch
* Once you have decided upon a lesson you should work through that lesson on your own. If you have difficulty working through the entire lesson (whether it is a sample lesson, a modified sample lesson, or one you have designed from scratch) help is available from a variety of sources. The TechWorks support material will help clarify the sample lessons. Help guides built into the program you use and the web site of the program's publisher are often good places to seek help with specific program questions. I am available to assist with this sort of thing and you may find that other teachers at your grade level who have used the same software and/or lesson will provide assistance too.

At the time of the lesson/project:

* State the objective of the lesson to the class.
* If possible show a completed version of the lesson/project to the class.
* Tell the students how much time will be devoted to the lesson/project (1 day, several weeks, etc.).
* Demonstrate to the students all of the steps required to work through the lesson.
* Check for questions.
* If possible have step by step instructions on paper, on the white board, or in a highly visible location for students to refer to while they work on the lesson.
* Circulate, observe, provide assistance.

At the end of the lesson/project:

* Check for understanding. This can be as simple as looking at completed independent practice items or group work, but can also include a question/answer check or written quiz.
* Summarize the lesson and restate the intended goal.
* Check the appropriate skills off on the skills checklists.