Writing@CSU

Teaching Guides

Training Teachers for the Computer Classroom

Introduction

Planning a successful training program

Start early

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?

Less is More

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?

Support Staff

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

Start early

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

Following up

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

CCAC-L

CSU’s Writing Center

Additional advice from our teachers

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

Teacher Commentary: On students’ typing skills

Back Back to Do Students Know They're Signing Up for a Computer Classroom?

Question One: Did you have any bad typists?

Sue: I had one who felt like his typing skills weren’t very good and he was kinda nervous about being in the class and about doing DAILIES and so I told him that just to write as much as he could on the DAILIES and if he wanted to go back and add to them he could. And he ended up being fine in the class. I think that all that constant typing really helped him.

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