Teaching in the 36K Computer Lab, part 1

I was at 36K for a total of nine days (eight days at the main site where I actually taught in the computer lab). This series of blog posts will describe the actual way I taught each class. I taught 34 classes in total over the eight days.

This is not the only way to teach in a computer lab, obviously. My focus was on robotics and coding. Other teachers focus on using PowerPoint or good digital citizenship.

Part 1, Introducing myself to students.

• I met the students outside in the hallway, as they lined up against the wall adjacent to my room
• I informed them that they would be sitting around the table in the center of the room; additional students would sit around the perimeter tables, chairs facing outward
• Kids entered the room, some jostling for seats, but not bad..Asked the para for optimal placements
• I introduced myself and showed my ID card. The fun thing about my ID card is that it is on a retractable wire, so it pulls down and back up again. I challenge the kids to catch it if they have fast hands. Some kids were “too cool” to play the game, but most tried to catch the card.

To be continued…