Writing@CSU

Teaching Guides

Training Teachers for the Computer Classroom

Planning a successful training program

Help teachers decide if the computer classroom is right for them

Overheads for discussion

Teacher Commentary: perceived advantages of the computer classroom

Teacher Commentary: perceived disadvantages of the computer classroom

Adapt for your audience

Model good computer-classroom teaching techniques during the training sessions

Schedule classroom observations

Insist on hands-on training

One final note: play!

Teacher Commentary: why to include hands-on training

Key questions to answer

What am I teaching: computers or writing?

It’s a writing class, not a computer class

Teacher Commentary: keeping the focus on writing

Are my students going to know more about computers than I do?

Teacher Commentary: teachers don’t need to be computer experts

Can I use the same syllabus I taught in the traditional classroom?

Teacher Commentary: On students taking more responsibility for their learning

How do classroom management techniques change for the computer classroom?

Teacher Commentary: on pacing

Teacher Commentary: a key classroom management tip

How can I make large-group discussion work?

View Strategies

Do students know they're signing up in a computer classroom?

Teacher Commentary: on students’ typing skills

What do I do when the computers don't work?

Always have a backup plan

Teacher Commentary: on dealing with computer glitches

What should I know about "hackers"?

Dealing with potential "hackers"

Teacher Commentary: on students’ knowledge of computer technology

Using the "tools" in your computer classroom

Help teachers decide if the computer classroom is right for them

Adapt for your audience

Model good computer-classroom teaching techniques during the training sessions

Schedule classroom observations

Insist on hands-on training

One final note: play!

Teacher Commentary: why to include hands-on training

Subsequent face-to-face or virtual meetings

Including support staff in ongoing training and troubleshooting

Other resources for teachers in computer classrooms

Get in touch with us

CSU’s Writing Center

Additional advice from our teachers

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Writing@CSU Home Page | Teaching Guides | Teaching in the Computer Classroom

Strategies

Back to How Can I Make Large-Group Discussion Work?

Writing before discussing usually raises the quality of the discussion, so consider having students write first.
Try not to plan major conceptual discussions for the very end of class because students will often want to continue working on their own writing and will be more distracted than usual from the discussion. Brief wrap-up discussions do work at the end of class.
If you notice that students are paying more attention to computers than to their peers during the discussion, ask students to move away from the computers. If your classroom is arranged so that students cannot move away from the computers (say, in rows), the teacher should move to a focal point at least to turn students away from the screens.
For extended discussions, consider turning off the computers, but be sure to start booting the machines again before you leave (a courtesy for the next teacher coming into the computer classroom).

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