Classroom Computers

Alternative Work Location: Some students require a specific alterative spot to be able to focus on their work. A desktop computer can help with establishing a routine for alternative work locations.

Math Centres: For younger students it can save time and frustration. Having access to established centres that are already set up will give students more opportunities to effectively use Math centres.

Language Arts Centres: With various applications and programs already installed on a desktop computer, students can become more confident in their writing. Tools such at Mote, Read & Write for Google, and others give diverse learners multiple ways to be successful in Language Arts.

Research Centers: Desktop computers in the classroom allow for equitable access to technology for student research. Tablets, Chromebooks, and Laptops can often have network issues, log-in issues, and hardware issues. This are often avoided when using a preestablished desktop computer in a classroom.

Software Specific: Some software is only available for Windows or other desktop operating systems.

Hardware Specific: Desktops are easier to repair and upgrade with specific hardware. They often do not require an entire new system if something goes wrong, just a new part.

Better for some students (With disabilities): Screen size certainly matters when it comes to working electronically. Larger screens can allow ease of access for individuals who find reading small print challenging or need more accessibility options.

Line vs WiFi: Desktops are usually hardwired into your network, whereas laptops and tablets tend to rely on a Wi-Fi connection. Wi-Fi can be unreliable based on the location of the router, therefore a hardwired connection is often more reliable.

Recording / media production Centre: With more powerful hardware comes more potential for recording and media production. From podcasts to green screen video editing, having ,multiple tasks running at the same time on a Chromebook or laptop can drastically slow them down.

Prepares Students for the Workforce: Hybrid skills including computer literacy are often expected in the workforce. Having an established desktop in a classroom with basic typing, coding, excel, and slides programs helps prepare students for the future.

Weather Tracking and Recording: Understanding and tracking weather is an important skill from grade primary and up. Having students become weather reporters for the day will help in Science, Technology, Math, and ELA.

Local News Updates: Part of learning about your community is keeping up with local news and events. This can be done by looking at the local paper online everyday, which helps with being culturally responsive to students.

Role Reversal: With so many new applications and websites popping up daily, it is nearly impossible to keep up. After introducing a new app to students some may become very proficient, even teaching the teacher on how it can be used in class.

Project Based Research: Students don't always have an opportunity to look into things that interest them in their personal lives at school. If students are designated a time for project based learning, it can enhance their overall engagement in the classroom.

Gamified Learning: With activities to compliment your classroom lessons, students can practice the skills they have learned in a fun way.

Virtual Field trips: Take students to a part of the world they would never have access to without a computer. This helps them become more culturally enriched and focused.

Web-Quest: Students can embark on an epic web based journey of theme or topic based lessons. Many web-quests have already been created so it is easy to follow along or get ideas for your own.

Early Finisher / Reward: This can be done with very specific rules and regulations set into place. The last thing you want is an entire class of students rushing to finish work so they have access to a computer.

Digital Citizenship and Footprint Practice: Students using a shared computer will learn quickly about automatically saving passwords and digital footprints. Teachers can use this information as a teaching tool to help guide them in their understanding of technology and social responsibility.

Creativity: Students can use a variety of apps or websites to record their own video or voice when reading a story. They also have access to potentially making videos, comics, and other forms of visual art to compliement their classroom work.