The computer classroom is really a more flexible environment than the traditional classroom. It can foster diversity and innovation rather than the electronic lock-step the rows of identical terminals may at first suggest. There is no One True Way to use a computer classroom.

A room full of computers becomes a computer classroom when the computers are networked, which means students can communicate with each other and the world on screen. Most simply, using Word a group can share a document to revise separately for others to review later. Or, using Daedalus Integrated Writing Environment (DIWE) they can discuss a text or generate ideas on screen. We provide a server-based system of folders which allows you to share files with students and provides students backup storage space.

The computers are also directly connected to the Internet. Firefox, Internet Explorer, telnet and ftp software allow access to a world of information to generate and support student writing. Many instructors create web pages as a repository for class materials and links to relevant resources.

The following lists some differences between the traditional classroom and the computer classroom and suggests management strategies you may find useful.

• The computer classroom is not a lecture hall. Students sit in rows facing glowing computer screens. The attention span of a class is more evident in a computer classroom than in the traditional classroom where most students may seem to be listening. If you must address the class orally, you will find 10 or so minutes about right.
• Things go wrong. Hardware and software are more dependable than they were even last year, but storage disks may fail, screens will freeze up, printing may not be temporarily unavailable. As you finish planning a computer classroom session, always ask yourself: "What will I do if the computers are'nt working?" A paper and pen version? Group discussion? An overhead projector is always available.
• The computer classroom facilitates the development of a student-centered learning environment: The students are active, working on their own writing, participating in group projects, or conferring individually with the teacher. The computer classroom experience is most successful when you realize students do'nt need you as much as you thought they did.
• On the other hand you may have spent more time planning that session than you would have for a traditional lecture/discussion. Teaching in the computer classroom is like being the stage manager rather than the star of the show.

Working from Your Office

As an instructor, you have access to a networked computer either in your office or in the instructional labs in Room 6, Landscape Architecture and in Ross 246. Following the same Mac or Windows logon procedure given elsewhere for computer classrooms, you can prepare files for class.