Laptops In Lessons

Top Ten Tips

Although the title of this section is Laptops in Lessons, the information on these pages applies mainly to any computing device that has an internet connection. So, whether it is an expensive laptop, a MacBook, a cheaper Chromebook, or a large-screen smartphone, I hope you find the following information useful.

Many students around the world have access to computers in all of their lessons, while others might only occasionally benefit from modern technology. Teachers are developing different ways of teaching that make use of this technology, and students’ learning is quite different from that of their parents’ generation.

Based on my experience of introducing a one-to-one laptop programme in a large international school, I have put together suggestions, advice and tips for Mathematics teachers and those involved in managing the academic use of computers in schools.

1. Always have a ‘plan B’ for your lesson, just in case the technology fails.
2. Ask students to close their laptops (screens down to the keyboard) when you want to focus their attention on the board or on a whole-class discussion.
3. Using one laptop between two students encourages discussion. Even if there are enough laptops for one each, this is a good strategy to adopt occasionally.
4. Students will sometimes try multitasking and have other applications open during their Maths lessons. All but the most devious can be identified by viewing the status bar at the bottom of the screen and checking that only the programs required for the lesson are showing.
5. Most computers have a program that simulates a traditional electronic calculator. In many cases, however, a spreadsheet will be more useful for performing calculations and will also allow students to ‘show their working’.
6. Many teachers have found that Microsoft OneNote provides a good substitute for an exercise book, allowing students to create and store their notes in an organised way.
7. For a lesson involving students visiting many websites, it is wise to provide all the URLs as hyperlinks in a document, web page, LMS or portal so that time isn’t wasted typing the addresses.
8. If students are to watch a video or access an online activity that has sound, ensure headphones are available or that students turn down the volume if the audio is not required.
9. Keep safety in mind if students need to plug their computers into wall electrical sockets. Trailing wires can be dangerous. Rearranging desks might allow safer access to the sockets.
10. Although it might aid their work in Mathematics, do not encourage students to use illegal or ‘pirated’ software.

Activity Ideas

Do you have any comments? It is always useful to receive feedback and helps make this free resource even more useful for those learning Mathematics anywhere in the world. What is your experience of using laptops in lessons? Do you have any good ideas or suggestions? Click here to enter your comments.