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Top tips for running an ICT session in school
Top tips for running an ICT session in schools
Horror stories abound – someone stealing the server, the network going down, system upgrades that make programs disappear overnight –you may not always have total control over what is going on, but with some preparation, you can minimise problems and ensure students have a quality learning experience!
Remember – the vast majority of students like hands-on, interactive ICT sessions so it is a fantastic way to engage with young people and empower them to help themselves!
General
1. Make friends with the ICT Technicians – they can hold the key to sorting problems and helping you out on the day.
2. Preparation is the key – check the room you will be in - check the ICT facilities (see basic equipment checklist) – plan what you are going to do and how you will do it (have a run through with someone) –- have a back up plan if the ICT fails
3. If someone else will be delivering the sessions, e.g. tutors, ensure that they know what is expected of them. Have someone available support them if you can.
Room
1. Check the room when you are planning the session – how many PCs does it have? How is it laid out – can everyone see a whiteboard or screen– will you need to move the chairs if you are speaking to them first? Is it air conditioned or does it have blinds (important in summer)
2. Check access – will you have time to get into the room and set up before the session is due to start? You may well need to get a key to get in. There may have been a lesson before, if so, you may have to plan in 5 minutes to set up, even though there is a class outside clamouring to get in.
Check the system
1. Make sure the ICT Team know when you are running sessions – give them a timetable and make it clear what you will require.
2. Are the programs you want to use on the network, or installed on PCs?
3. Are the programs the latest version?
4. Is the Internet readily available, or will you need to arrange to have it ‘switched on’ for your session?
5. Are the programs/internet easy to find on the system? How will you demonstrate this to students?
Check the equipment
1. How many PCs are there? Do they have sound? Do the PCs have headphones? If there are no headphones, you may be able to borrow a class set from another department (e.g. languages)
2. If you intend to demonstrate the program/websites in your introduction check there is a projector connected to a PC that will display onto a whiteboard or screen. If the room does not have these facilities, think about a laptop and projector, or change your session.
(See also basic equipment checklist).
The session
1. Use a pre-prepared lesson or devise your own, but be clear on your aims and the learning outcomes. Leave time for an introduction and feedback at the end. Check timings. Support the session by preparing worksheets and handouts/action plans. Have your handouts prepared and bring extra to the estimated numbers expected (Tutors may want to take some away with them).
2. Be flexible, have your back up plan ready if the ICT fails (you can always achieve your aims and learning outcomes by another method – have it ready e.g. PowerPoint presentation, quiz, group exercise). It may not be as exciting, but the session has not been wasted. Simplify the key messages so that if all else fails, you get these across. You can always set some of the tasks e.g. looking at websites as extra work or homework.
The day (or near) before
1. Check everything is as arranged with the ICT Team – remind them of your requirements
2. Make sure you have printed off all the material you need, run through your session
On the day
1. Get there in time
2. Get the room/ICT set up before the students are let in
3. If the tutor, or other member of staff are supervising, make sure they know what is expected of them
4. If you are not used to delivering sessions using ICT don’t be afraid to be in control! Make quick decisions and stick to them if things are not going to plan (e.g. the internet goes down half way through the session. Stop it and go on to your back up plan – don’t let students sit around wasting time as you may not have the opportunity to do this again!) Look confident, even if you aren’t – students pick up on doubt and anxiety – stay in control! I know this is obvious to you as you are so experienced but sometimes the ICT gets in the way!
After
1. Evaluate the feedback from students using their worksheets and action plans
2. Reflect on the session – what went well, what didn’t what would you do differently? Be prepared to adjust your sessions as you go along.
3. Keep a record of what you have done for future sessions
4. Don’t be put off if it wasn’t perfect first time – you have built up valuable new relationships and the ICT Team will know what you require next time – if you have difficulties speak to someone about it – it could be a small ‘tweak’ in the system that is required!
