1. Keep students in view
2. Set up your own tech support squad
3. Quietly signal for help to minimize disruptions
4. Create student portfolios of work
5. Build capacity within the class
6. Maintain and post a computer schedule
7. Stretch the one-Internet connection classroom
8. Share the wealth
9. Spread the wealth
10. Maximize sharing with wireless
11. Make it easy to save large files

Keep Students in View
Arrange laptops or desktop computers so that the screens can be easily viewed by others in the room, especially the teacher. The easiest way to do this is to place computer screens facing into the middle of the room.

Set up your own tech support squad
Choose a student to be a computer peer or helper each week. S/he can answer questions and help with troubleshooting basic technical problems so that you can concentrate on literacy activities. Once several students in your class have done this, they can trade off helping when problems arise.

Quietly signal for help to minimize disruptions
To minimize distractions and disruptions, have students place a cup, flag, or other easily-seen object on top of the monitor when they have a question or problem when doing computer work.   

Build capacity within the class
Have students ask at least two other students to help them on the computer before asking you. This builds and distributes expertise among students.

Create student portfolios of work
Have students save documents into individual folders (with their names on the folders) either on a network or computer desktop. This becomes a ready-made portfolio of work that gives dates of student pieces as well.

Maintain and post a computer schedule
Schedule computer time to make the most of a limited number of computers by having students sign up to use them (or you can assign them).   Post the schedule where it can be easily viewed.

Stretch the one-Internet connection classroom
Connect your Internet-connected computer to a LCD projector or TV monitor to maximize the number of students who can benefit.

Share the wealth
Have students work on computers in small groups to complete concept webs, search for information, or read an electronic book. This gives more access to technology and teaches students cooperative skills.

Spread the wealth
Break large technology projects into components, giving everyone a chance to participate in one or more part and feel successful. Train students to be experts in that piece instead of having to train all students to do everything. Once students become expert in an aspect of the technology, they can teach one another.

Maximize sharing with wireless
When possible, use a wireless keyboard and mouse for guided and shared writing so that students can pass around and use the keyboard to participate more easily.

Make it easy to save large files
Minimize the use of floppy disks by using keychains or other small external drives. Floppies are easily damaged and information can be lost forever.