Spotlight on middle school computer labs

Computers used extensively at Hoke County middle schools

by Thomas H. McKinney

Ms. Teresa Bullard and Ms. Erica Snow spend each school day in computer labs, at West Hoke Middle School and East Hoke Middle School, respectively, working with teachers to help students use computers for learning and research.

As Computer and Technology Assistants, they each oversee a large classroom with approximately 30 computers that are in nearly constant use during class hours.

Each hour a different middle school teacher brings his or her class into the computer lab to work on strengthening skills and addressing benchmarks.

In addition to using the software modules residing on each computer for key subjects like math, reading, and science, students with parental permission are able to access internet search engines to research topics for their class projects.

Mr. Donovan McPhatter has brought his social studies class into Ms. Bullard's computer lab and is firmly giving instructions as his eyes dart around the room, seemingly able to track each student simultaneously. Since the computers are lined up against the walls of the room, he can stand in the middle and view each individual computer screen.

Even with the sign on the door that says "computer lab," it is startling to enter the lab for the first time and see so many computers in one classroom.

In response to questions about the programs and software tools used by the students, Ms. Bullard and Ms. Snow are able to provide clear and concise explanations. No question is considered "dumb" or too elementary.

After watching for just a short period of time, it becomes evident that Ms. Bullard, Ms. Snow, and Mr. McPhatter are each very skilled at sensing when to lean forward and help point the next step forward on a student's computer screen, and when to move back and let the user "think through" the next step forward.

It is somewhat surprising to hear that at the beginning of the school year there are some sixth-graders that appear to be using a computer for the first time.

However, as Ms. Bullard points out, many of the students do not have access to the internet or computers at home. As the internet becomes a more integral part of day-to-day activities in our society, it is easy to imagine how some day, if not already, these middle school students will be helping their parents and grandparents use the internet.

Thomas H. McKinney can be reached at tomhmckinney@gmail.com or at 257-7897.

Next month we will talk with Denise Young, School Librarian for EHMS, and Roberta Park, Media Coordinator for WHMS.

• EHMS website
• WHMS website