Lab Hardware Configuration (2 of 2)

Getting back to a previous topic, I am really STILL curious about others actual physical computer lab configurations. I have had difficulty finding any pictures on line but while this seems like a very non-educational topic, it strikes me that configuring your environment correctly can contribute immensely to student attention, focus, productivity and learning.

So, with that in mind here are 3 shots of my lab with key points.

First, a shot of my classroom from the front- right now 28 of 30 student workstations have dual monitors (19" and 15" each) with pretty new HP small form factor computers capable of running ARC Map (GIS) and Adobe CS3, our most powerful software packages.

Second, a shot of the front of the room where we have a 77" interactive whiteboard with short throw projector (have you seen the new widescreen ones??!!??)

Finally, a shot over my desk where I my or may not spend much time (depends on the autonomy and cognitive level of the current assignment). The key feature is a 3 monitor setup with the left monitor dedicated to displaying NetSupport School a super classroom management software package. The right monitor is cloned to the interactive white board and the middle one is where I prep content to display without distracting students while they focus on the IWB display.

Also, notice the monitors face the front so if students are to focus on me, they can't be distraced by their monitors.

Obviously some of this is possible only through the physical construction of the room but there is some stuff I would do anywhere- dual monitors, classroom management software, and an IWB are all great tools.

Mad Tech Skillz

I recently had an interesting conversation with our principal. I had been thinking a lot about PLC (professional learning communities) and how we implement them in our school which is mainly just meetings. Sometimes meetings are very useful but, I feel that if PLC is really time set aside to improve as a professional educator in a collaborative environment (my KISS definition)then maybe meetings should be "as required" and PLC time should focus on either learning from or contributing to the global PLC found online.

To me, the only issue is that most teachers don't posses the technical skills required to tap in to this (that may be changing in some ed prep programs). Someone must teach them after sifting through all the options and do so from an educator's perspective.

My principal, a stellar guy (even if he doesn't read this...) agreed and after I introduced him to Twitter and touched on blogging as PLC tools he got pretty excited and gave me a few Friday afternoons to introduce teachers to it all.

I call it 21st Century PLC and it basically focuses on finding topic threads (twitter and blogs), following them (RSS) and tying on more string (adding web content via blogs, wikis, twitter, etc).

Ive posted a slimmed down set of slides here on the blog (top right corner) for your viewing enjoyment. If you want the full set (not much more than what is there but a few cheese effects) email me.

If a few slides don't "talk themselves" post up and Ill clarify. I hate slides that talk for me so...

If you have some personal insight on the topic, Id love to hear!