Computer Labs

On occasion, I will sub in a computer lab.  The success of this assignment USUALLY depends on the set up of the lab and, of course, teacher expectations.  If I can view ALL computers from MY computer either visually or remotely (they have a nifty program that allows me to bring up each student's  computer screen--IF the teacher has programmed that for me) , I have a much better level of "compliance"--i.e. DOING the assignment and not playing games, checking e-mail etc.--when I can SEE what they are working on.  Luckily, I am not a technophobe and know quite a bit about technology--for someone my age. :)  I always allow five minutes to check their e-mail, grades, etc., so that SEEMS to cut down on some of the "inappropriate use". 


SOME computer labs were set up more for privacy (like you might want in a library) and NOT education.  I sub 3 different high schools and 4 different middle schools within our district.  The BEST high school lab has the teachers desk at the back of the room where I can view the screens, just by looking up.  The worst lab is one, in that same building, that has the computers facing each other and the teacher desk to the side of the room.  So, WHEN I am up walking around, they see me coming and either minimize the stuff they are not supposed to do or "X" out of it.  At one building, there is a game they play that they can all shoot each other and, for the life of me, I cannot figure out why it is not blocked.  This game has been a HUGE factor in me not wanting to sub in the computer labs at that building.  Apparently the teacher just doesn't care. The set up of that room has the computers in a "U" shape and the teachers desk up front, facing sideways.  So I can see MOST of the computers, but the kids don't care if I leave their names. ( BTW--this is also the same school that had the  Insolence incident.)

Today, I am at our oldest (i.e. building) high school and the kids are really quite on task.  The teacher made sure the remote screening possibility was available to me.  Although, while on the teacher computer I can only visually see half the room, if I turn around I can see all but 4 screens.  The kids here on are task, for the most part.  That is good for a sunny Friday in April. 

Half Days

This week, I subbed for a middle school music teacher.  It was a half day for the students.  In their infinite wisdom, the administration decided to run the full eight classes in a half day.  That meant each class was 19 minutes long!  Nineteen minutes. This is shorter than their TV shows!  

Now, on a sunny half day in April, it is going to take more than a minute or two to quiet these kids.  Then there is attendance to take and the time announcing what the plan for the day is.  The Reading class, which only has 6 people enrolled ( and only 3 showed up) probably got a full 15 minutes of class time.  But the other classes were lucky to get 12.  One even was as low as 10, because it took time to find out where they left off, the last time they had seen the video. 

Was this a good use of taxpayer money?  I think not.

Spring Break

The day before Spring Break, I had the "privilege" of subbing for my teacher friend who had the insolent kids in her first two hours.  Luckily, the boy who was the worst, did not show up to class--actually about half the class was missing.   All the kids behaved well and had no write ups for the whole day.  

Haven't subbed since, but have a half day scheduled for tomorrow at one of the middle schools. Music. Should be fun, since the kids have a half day, also. :)