A Guide to Using Laptops
Managing a classroom of student's with laptops is mostly about
managing the students. This means that you use the same tools
for classroom management with laptops as you use for basic
classroom management.
Class management tips:
 MWA: Management While Walking Around
 Lids down: When you are talking and you don’t want “half” of the kids’ attention, make sure that all
computer lids are put down. Make everyone wait until all lids are down, and they are to stay down
until you say so.
 Homepage: Create a website that can serve as the homepage to avoid students typing in the URL in the
address bar (typing errors can lead them to inappropriate sites).
 Charts: Post charts around the room for students on how to use the computer.
Distribution and Usage:
 Monitors: Select consistent monitors to hand out and pick up laptops. Demonstrate 2 hands on laptop
at all times. Be sure that walkways are clear of obstructions.
 Discussion: Have discussions with students before distribution. Discuss that laptops are a privilege and
which can be revoked. Communicate how important it is to use technology in their lessons, especially
as they will use them consistently in JHS and to take NYS tests online.
 Tech Issues: Inform students they are responsible to follow safety and usage rules when using laptops.
If they notice any issues, they are to inform you immediately. Inform the technology teacher of any
technical issues you notice.
 Tracking Devices: Create a list to track which student gets which laptop. Make sure each child gets the
same laptop. Make 2 copies of the list – keep one with the cart and submit one to Mrs. Harris.
 Accountability: Let students know that they are accountable for a completed product at the end of the
lesson. Have a plan for when students are done with their work. What will they do? Will they continue
to use the laptop? Or perhaps store the laptop in the center of the table?
 Use timers: (preferably one that ticks loudly), so the kids know they don't have all day.
 Charging laptops: As safely as possible, have power bars around the room, but make sure they're set up
in a way that you don't create tripping hazards. Show students how to track their battery power.
 Student leaders: Find students who seem to be naturals with computers and use them to help with
general troubleshooting and application help.
 Save frequently: remind students to save their work every 5 minutes. Demo how to save files (File:
Save As: Documents: Class Folder) and how important it is to using a file naming convention. Eg. 511
ben country chart
Lesson Planning:
 Infuse technology into your lesson plans. Share tips and websites with each other.
 Teach students about the importance of digital citizenship and netiquette.
 Copying and pasting from the Internet does not constitute research. You need to teach paraphrasing
and summarizing when using laptops for research.
 For the first “full class” use of laptops, make sure it’s a focused assignment all kids are doing at once,
and that you have time to actively circulate as they do the assignment (such as writing a paragraph
about something, or visiting a specific website for information).
Student Considerations:
 Remove headphones with 2 hands and place them back in their baggies
 Save project files to appropriate location (documents folder: class subfolder)
 Close programs or web browser
 Tidy all cords… “clear the deck” to ensure there are no cords on the keyboard area. This is particularly
important if you will be closing laptop lids.
 Shut down using proper procedure (Start/Shut Down in Windows…not press-and-hold the power
button)
 Wait for black screen
 Gently close the lid
 When the shut down is complete, the students remain seated while you walk about and do a shutdown
and cord/accessory check. Stressing cords by shoving tables will cause problems in the long run.
Sample lesson plans
http://presentationsoft.about.com/od/classrooms/a/lesson_plans.htm
http://qacps.schoolwires.net/Page/628
http://www.macomb.k12.mi.us/eastdet/plans/PlanList.htm#Elementary
http://www.nazarethasd.k12.pa.us/Page/268
http://www.internet4classrooms.com/links_grades_kindergarten_12/lesson_plans_technology_elementary_mi
ddle_school.htm
http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson/lesson285.shtml
https://sites.google.com/a/planetbravo.com/edweek/
http://alexandria-es10.lausd.k12.ca.us/staff_pages/henry_anker/Lesson_Plans_K-5.html
Digital Citizenship Websites:
https://sos.fbi.gov - FBI site on safe surfing. Fun game style with what if scenarios.
http://www.netsmartzkids.org/LearnWithClicky - Short fun videos on good Netiquette.