Having access to computers is only the beginning. You must decide how computers will be physically arranged when they are in your classroom, or how you will deal with equipment placement in a lab setting. Next, you must determine how technology use relates to your instructional objectives and then create a schedule that is equitable and provides time for students to complete the task at hand.

You will need to deal with scheduling constraints at your individual site as well. Do you have equipment in your classroom, or are you dependent upon a computer lab? Are you assigned a regular weekly lab time, or does your school permit flexible scheduling for specific projects?

If you're just getting started, review the following links for ideas and suggestions to manage equipment placement and scheduling:

Creating Technology Enhanced Student-Centered Learning Environments: This article by Jamie McKenzie provides possible physical arrangements for classroom computers and discusses the issue of time vs. amount of equipment needed.

Using the Internet in the One Computer Classroom: Davis School District in Portland, Oregon offered a course for teachers working in a one computer classroom. Visit the links provided to find practical information about equipment placement and scheduling.

Scheduling Activities: Ideas and models for scheduling computer use in a classroom with four workstations.