Alexandria Avenue's Technology Project
Computer Lab Use
The Alexandria Computer Lab is presently configured with iMac & Power Macintosh
computers. One computer is used for directed lessons and demonstrations
(which can later be used by students in the class), and one is set aside
for use by classroom teachers and paraprofessionals during class visits.
The Lab includes three networked printers (one LaserWriter and two inkjet
printers). The Lab has a flatbed scanner for use by students and teachers
to scan photos, magazine and book pictures and longer text articles to save
as computer files.
All Macintosh computers and printers in the lab and classrooms throughout
the school are part of the PumaLANd Macintosh Local Area Network. In other
words, all Macintosh computers and printers have the capability of connecting
to one another.
Certificated Teacher Position and Class Schedules
The Certificated Teacher position is assigned to a full-time teacher in the Computer
Lab to serve all teachers and students in grades K-5 and Special Education.
In order to serve all tracks equally, the Certificated Teacher is not assigned to a normal
schedule, but instead remains on site four days per week (Monday through Thursday) most weeks,
throughout the year.
Classes visit the Computer Lab on a regular schedule during the year. Classes
are scheduled weekly. Fridays are reserved for our Kindergarten classes and as days for
holiday makeups, special classes, and for extra time for classes working
on projects, reports or additional practice with specific software. Priority
for extra time is always given to teachers whose use of the Lab is
clearly in support of the academic goals established for the schoolwide
computer project.
Teachers visit the Lab with their students for directed instruction and
practice in educational software which the individual teacher will select.
The goal for the Lab is to support each teacher's efforts to integrate computer
and related technology into his or her classroom curriculum.
Instructional Curriculum
The purpose of the Computer Laboratory and of the Lab Instructor is to promote
the use of computers in every classroom at Alexandria as an intrinsic component
of the instructional curriculum. Students and teachers should thus leave
the Lab after each visit better prepared to apply their knowledge of computer
hardware and software operation in their own classrooms.
In order to achieve this schoolwide goal, the participation of each classroom
teacher in the instructional program in the Lab will be essential. In order that
teachers can continue to use the computers for the students' work in their
own classrooms after Lab visits, each teacher will have to be knowledgeable
about the operation of software demonstrated in the Lab. Therefore, teachers
are required to be in attendance when their classes are working in the Lab,
and to be actively involved in assisting the Lab Instructor as the children
work with the computers.
Each teacher must appropriately plan for their Lab visits in the event the
he or she is absent from school on a scheduled Lab visit day. Substitute
teachers bring the students to the Lab. Scheduling makeup sessions in the
event of a conflict due to a field trip or special event is the responsibility
of the classroom teacher.
Software Library and Checkout Procedures
All computer software, including Apple //c, IIGS, Macintosh, CD's and Laserdisc
software, are housed in the Computer Lab and will be available for teacher
preview and checkout only through the Lab. Original software and manuals
may not be removed from school premises at any time.
A cumulative list of all currently available computer software is available
on our local email system in the "Conference folder"
inside the "Teacher's Only" conference (and also on these pages).
Macintosh Local Area Network (PumaLANd)
The Network on which all devices operate is administrated by Henry Anker
and Theodore Fukushima ("Theo"). Their responsibilities are to
see that connections to the Network servers, PumaBOARD and the Internet
are active. If teachers are experiencing any problems with Network connections
from their classrooms, they notify Henry or Theo.
PumaBOARD
The PumaBOARD is Alexandria's local conferencing and email system. Every
teacher and staff member may maintain an account. Upper grade students are
also offered the opportunity to hold accounts, with the request of their
teacher, and may use their account as long as they comply with general guidelines
for oral communication with others (no "bad language or offensive comments
made to, or about others) while using the system.
Internet
Alexandria Ave. has access to the Internet through a T-1 line. Nearly instant access to the Internet
is possible from any Macintosh computer on the Network.
AlphaSmart Keyboards
These portable keyboards are available for use in classrooms to make students'
time spent on word processing their stories and reports more efficient.
Up to 30 keyboards can be borrowed at the same time for several hours. Once
the student(s) have typed all of their text into the keyboard, the text
can be transferred to the Macintosh and saved onto a disk, or to the student's
File Server folder for later editing and publishing.
Still Video Camera
Also available for teacher use are Canon Ultura
digital video cameras, which record images on microcassettes. Images are then transferred
and saved to the Macintosh in such a way that they can then be used in any
Macintosh application.
Teachers are encouraged to use the camera for field trips and for other
class activities where photographic images are to be used in later writing
activities by the students.
Maintenance of Classroom Computers
Teachers are responsible for keeping the computers and their tables clear
of clutter and dust. If teachers have any technical problems with the computer(s)
that they are unable to solve, they would first call a student volunteer (WYSIWYG), and if the student is
not able to fix the problem, the teacher would then call
call Yali or Theo. Teachers should
first check for all possible obvious problems such as loose cables, electrical
plugs and power switches before calling for help.
WYSIWYG's
WYSIWYG's are students who serve as Computer Lab volunteers. They are trained
to assist students in the Lab, and to assist teachers in their rooms when
available. Teachers make arrangements if they would like student help in
their room.
Computer Supplies for the Classroom
Computer printer paper, ink, diskettes, surge strips, cables, and all other
computer-related supplies are available upon request from the Computer Lab.
Computer supplies will not be charged against a teacher's annual budget
for classroom supplies.
Puma Press
This was Alexandria's School magazine that is circulated 10 times per school
year. It was published in the Lab by WYSIWYG's using stories, reports, graphs,
articles and illustrations made by students in all grade levels and languages.
Teachers and students submitted all student work they'd like to be included
in the Puma Press.
Students and their families, as well as teachers and staff were encouraged
to subscribe to the Puma Press for $5.00 per year. Additional incentives
were also provided to increase participation. The money raised was used to
cover printing costs (done by students at Belmont High), and the paperback
books, pencils, etc... Financial support for the Puma Press was also provided
by Moti Gur.
Last updated February 13, 2001
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