Taking the Computer Teacher (and their lab) For Granted

re: Taking the Computer Teacher (and their lab) For Granted

Alfred Thompson — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 11:46:40 GMT

I told your story to my wife the librarian. She quessed in one guess where the help desk was going. "not thrilled" would be an understatment or her reaction. :-)

re: Taking the Computer Teacher (and their lab) For Granted

Wicked Teacher of the West — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 22:40:09 GMT

I've always attributed this behavior at my school to me being nice. Instead of shutting down the offenders - students or colleagues - I often answer their questions. I know that if I stopped, it would eventually stop happening, though I'm sure I'd get a reputation as being Not Collegial. I'm glad it isn't just me, though sad it happens to others.

We're possibly doing some construction at my school. The principal wanted to put the computer help desk in my classroom!! I pointed out that it was not acceptable to me to have students and staff traipsing in and out of the room with problems while I teach, and the decision was made to put the help desk in the library. I know the librarian isn't thrilled either, but at least the library is an interrupt-driven space, not like a classroom!

re: Taking the Computer Teacher (and their lab) For Granted

Brian Gray — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 06:54:29 GMT

I used to allow students and teachers to work at free computers during my classes, but I don't any more.

I've had students answer their phones while I'm teaching. I've had to ask two or more teachers to move their conversation out of the computer lab so that my class could continue.

I now put a laminated sign on the door (which I usually lock) to minimize the traffic through my lab/classroom.

Such behaviors (from students and teachers) might be acceptable if there were no class in the lab, but I was standing at the board with a pen in my hand!

See Hanlon's Razor.