Management of the Technology Center

One of the strategies that promotes literacy and helps children manage their own time at the computer is the use of a sign-up sheet in the classroom. Children can write their names on the sheet to make sure they have a turn at the computer. These signatures become a record of children's writing during the year and can be kept as part of a child's portfolio.

Sign-up Sheet

A sign-up sheet can be kept next to the computer center to manage children's turntaking at the computer. Children are encouraged to sign up for a turn on the computer. Some teachers will ask children to sign up during circletime or at the beginning of the day. In other classrooms children will sign up whenever they think about having a turn at the computer. Children keep track of who is next at the computer and tend to help each other manage their time.

Further information on making and using a sign-up sheet or sign-up book and the literacy benefits for children can be found in the EC-TIIS Emergent Literacy Workshop - Environment.

EC-TIIS Emergent Literacy Workshop

Desktop Management

Although independence is valued in children making their own choices at the computer, most teachers and families are concerned about damage children can cause to the computer's hard drive. There are several means by which computers can be secured to allow children access only to appropriate content.

Creating a unique 'children's user account' is allowed in several of the latest versions of Mac and Windows operating systems. Check the computer set up specifications for instructions on 'creating user accounts'.

Other suggestions for managing software are the use of KidDesk or organizing software shortcuts (PC) or aliases (MAC) into one folder for children.

Desktop management software allows children to have access to selected programs on their own desktop, preventing them from accessing and damaging other programs stored on the hard drive.

If a desktop management program, such as KidDesk, is not available, another option is to create a folder titled, "Children's software", on the desktop. An alias or shortcut of each children's program can be created and placed in the folder. Children can then be guided to select software from the folder.

Desktop management software programs or unique user accounts:

Protect the computer's hard drive.
Allow children to safely and independently navigate through programs.
Entice children to explore and experiment with tools they see their teachers and families using.
Customizes the choices of software to an individual child's needs.

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There are many actions teachers and family members can take to successfully work with children at the computer.

Suggestions for Working with Children at the Computer

Foster independence: Encourage children to do as much as possible for themselves. Guide them as they learn how to access their own KidDesk desktop. Encourage them to choose their desktop and suggest they leave messages to other classmates.

Promote group interaction: Use the computer in small groups with software programs that encourage children to work together. Children gain valuable social skills when encouraged to group problem solve. Spontaneous language tends to increase through computer use.

Stimulate peer assistance: Encourage children to help each other. Assign computer experts for the week. Peer teaching increases on-task behavior and facilitates the acquisition of problem solving skills, independence, and self-esteem.

Strengthen problem solving skills: Encourage children to discuss their questions with other children who have used the software. Guide children in their development of metacognitive skills by modeling a behavior or talking about the sequence of a process.

For more information on management strategies, see Management of the Computer Center from eMERGing Literacy and Technology: Working Together.