Lab Management Ideas

  • Anytime you introduce something new start with an easy activity. (Allow time to explore)
  • Intro to Excel Activity
  • Item/Price /Quantity /Total
  • Enter information
  • Add a Row at the Top / Add a Title / Merge and Center
  • Create formulas in the total column
  • Sub Total
  • Sales Tax
  • Total
  • Max
  • Min
  • Ascending
  • Copy
  • Fill (1, 2) (100, 101) (100, 200) (Days) (Months)
  • Have a set of directions that explains frequently used computer operations.
  • Complete the lessons before assigning lessons to students.
  • Use a whole class demonstration using projection before sending the students to an individual computer.
  • Be sure to remind students to save often.
  • When working on extended projects – Include this in the project instructions "Save, do not proceed to the next section until your partner reaches this point." This helps everyone to stay at the same point and encourages collaboration.
  • Allow students to help each other but do not allow students to touch other student’s computers.
  • Remember location is a big part of lab management. The computers should be in a position where the teacher can easily see the monitors. Some labs have students facing the front of the room and mirrors (non-breakable) in the back of the room so that the monitors are visible.
  • Monitors should be perpendicular to windows if possible to make the monitor easier to see on sunny days.
  • Assign computer numbers and student numbers so that the same students are always at the same computer.
  • Always move around the room and observe student work.
  • Have a place in the lab for backpacks, book bags and books.
  • Have students turn monitors off while you are giving instructions.
  • Use a computer management software such as SMART Sync to view and control computers.
  • Post the lab rules where the rules can be seen easily.
  • Use red cups to indicate a student needs help. Have the student place the cup on top of the computer monitor when help is needed.
  • Use laminated color cards with clothes pins (hot glued to the right side of the monitor). The colors represent finished work, need help, etc.
  • Have a common place for students to report computer problems – These problems can be addressed at the end of each day to see if a work request is required.
  • Have a project folder for each student used for storing ongoing technology projects, project ideas and printouts.
  • Have a reliable helper student to address issues during class time.
  • Have an end-of-class/end-of-day manager to make sure everyone is logged off and the area around the computer is tidy.
  • Have a three before me rule – Ask three other students the question before you ask me.
  • Have a problem solving chart –Address problems before the end of class as a group.
  • Encourage students to be experts…assign students a program and have them learn that program thoroughly. This way you will have a student as in expert in all of the different programs. These students can help you the teacher and students in the class.
  • Use timers for assignments - - this keeps students on task when they know they have a specific amount of time to complete each task.
  • When assigning a project have students plan before coming to the lab. Use lab time for research and product/project.
  • Use graphic organizers
  • Have the students save their work to the student folders
  • Use rubrics for grading students
  • Buy headphones!
  • Get plastic hooks to store the headphones.
  • Always have an activity available that does not require technology in case of power outages or lack of connectivity.
  • Keep keyboards clean by having hand sanitizer available to students as they enter the lab to prevent the spread of germs.