A few days ago, I was asked if I had any plans for what to do with my computer lab. I clarified if the person wanted to know about down the road. When they confirmed I was on the right track, I asked if they wanted my "pie in the sky" plans. They gave me the green light for that. Then, I think I shocked them because I have already been toying with this in my mind for almost a year.
Currently, we have 2 computer labs on campus. The first lab is for PK - third grade students. The students use this lab under the supervision of their teacher. Our second lab is for fourth - eighth grade. I am responsible for the lessons that the students complete. I am the only teacher in the room with them at the scheduled class time.
So what have I been tossing around in my brain? My first suggestion is that the fixed tables full of desktop computers be removed. I pointed out that the room truly does not allow space for students to collaborate. My dream would be to have a cart of laptops and a cart of mobile devices. I don't believe that we should always just force something to be done on one device. Students will need the experience of choosing the correct device and program or application. I would also set up a few stations where a monitor is mounted to the wall and hooked to a Mac mini. I would like a table coming out from the wall where students could collaborate on various projects when needed. I pointed out the need for furniture that is flexible. I want things to be able to be moved into lots of different configurations based on the task at hand.
While I'm dreaming big, I would love a 3D printer and other things that would be found in a Maker Lab. Things like Makey Makey, squishy circuits, etc.
Then, I really went for it when I talked about not using the lab in a scheduled class manner like we do now. I would love to see it be a room where classes come with their teacher. The teacher and I work with them on projects based on things they are doing. (Currently, I use topics from classes, but it is not fully embedded into the curriculum.) I would also love to truly incorporate a full genius hour environment.
I would love feedback on my "pie in the sky" plans. I would love to hear about what has worked for your school.
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