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Here are some tips for making computer centers work:

Tip 1: So that you don¹t have to reinvent the wheel each year and so that students can use the computer center independently, write directions for computer activities on index cards or poster board and laminate them.

Tip 2: Try to create activities that correlate to your current studies - you may want to check your teacher's guides for suggestions of related computer activities. Once you come up with a great idea, make a note in your subject area guide so that you'll remember to use it when you come to that unit again next year.

Tip 3: When it comes to activities for your computer center, start with lessons that can be completed in one session. It helps to give all students a chance to have success with several simple computer assignments before trying their hand at a long-term project.

Tip 4: Before assigning an activity try completing the assignment yourself, or even better, find a student to test the activity for you. (Volunteers for this job are never hard to find in my room!) This will let you know if the activity can be completed in the time you've allotted and if your directions are clear.

Tip 5: Select a student to be the "Computer Expert" each week. Allow this student to complete the assignment first and then answer any questions that may arise while other students work through the activity. This helps free you from the role of task monitor while allowing your students to become mentors for one another.

Tip 6: Agree on a signal that students can use if they need help while working on a task. My favorite is to place a brightly colored plastic cup next to each computer. When students need help, they place their cup on top of their computer as a signal for assistance. Once they've gotten help, the cup is placed beside their computer again.

Computer Center Activity Ideas
Great ideas for your computer center activities are boundless. At the start of the school year, create scavenger hunts that help students learn to use an application while exploring the features available. This not only helps you learn which students are comfortable with computers (and will make great computer aides), it also helps build student confidence with the applications you plan to use all year long.

Download and post these ready to print activity cards (PDF document).