Artifact 11 - Classroom/Lab Description of the Computer Information Systems Program
The Computer Information Systems Program is located in the Lee County Career and Technical Center, Ford Quillen Building in Ben Hur, Virginia. The classroom is a large up-to date facility with space for 23 student workstations and teacher workstation.
The classroom is a complete up-to-date computer lab. The classroom is arranged to provide students with a positive safe atmosphere and at the same time provide them with emerging technology. Technology is used daily in the Computer Information Systems Program. Technology skills are essential in this program.
The room is arranged with 23 individual computer workstations, a teacher workstation and a workstation that houses Apple Laptop Computers. Each day students receive instruction and assigned projects that they must complete individually or in small collaborative groups. Teamwork is a strong part of the environment of the Computer Information Systems Program.
This room arrangement is conducive to class instruction and PowerPoint presentations. Windows 7 Operating System and the Microsoft Office 2007 suite and use of the Internet are the main computer resources. Presentation equipment in the classroom includes a smart board projection screen, digital presenter, and an LCD projector.
Tweny-four Dell Optiplex 780 Intel Quad Core desktop computers with the Windows 2007 Professional operating system are arranged in groups of two or three. Each student has his/her own individual “work station". The classroom is set to be networked wireless or wired. It is important to note, that this classroom was the first classroom in the Lee County School System that became networked which was in 1995. There is a network printer and students also have several stand alone Lexmark and HP All-in-one printers that may be used for color projects.
Also in the room is a student workstation which offers supplies (stapler, pens, pencils, electric pencil sharpener, and paper) and hygiene supplies (Kleenex, germ X). Technology is an integral part of instruction daily as well as the classroom utilization.
See attached photos of the Computer Information System Program classroom.
Artifact 12 Computer Information Systems Program strengths,weaknesses, plan to improve classroom/lab
There are many great strengths of the Computer Information Systems Program. The entire building where the program classroom is located is exemplary. It is updated, clean, and provides a safe secure environment for the students. Students feel comfortable and safe in the Computer Information Systems classroom. Students , because of the consistent updates, have a willingness and desire to work on skills that will prepare them for the world of work.
A great advantage during the past four years in the Computer Information Systems Program is our Vocational Director. He has a desire for every program to be current in technology and for every teacher to receive up-to-date professional development in our program area. I can say with pride that the Computer Information System Program classroom is prepared to teach students the skills they need for the 21st Century workplace.
One weakness is the portable Apple computer lab. There is a constant challenge of making sure all laptops are accounted for and in good working condition.
Another weakness is the ability for the instructor to have administrative computer rights to add or delete software or peripheral devices in the classroom. Instructors are only given certain computer administrative rights to work on computers. This is a great disadvantage to the teacher and the students.
A major goal is to have the Lee County School System change the policy of computer administrative rights so that all teachers in all areas will have the abilities and support to be able to add technology devices or software to their classrooms without the process of completing forms and waiting weeks for the projects to get completed.
Artifact 13 - Computer Information Systems Program examples of technology in the classroom
The following are examples of the technology that is used in the Computer Information Systems Program classroom. Note that since we are a technology classroom, we change daily. Our software changes as new technology software is created and we try to keep the students equipped with the everyday changing world of computers.
The use of Windows 7 Operating System, Office 2007 and the use of the internet allows students to perform different skills and accomplish various tasks and projects.
Please wait...
