The computer lab did not seem to be respected as a place of learning. I attempted to find appropriate Internet sites that would correlate with the teachers classroom lessons. Because there was relatively little software, and multiple platforms and systems, I had planned to use the Internet as a source learning material for the students. I thought I would create an extensive website of lesson links correlated to the teachers' lessons, as well as the California Standards. Unfortunately, I found that I couldn t rely on the Internet because the computers didn t support the latest browsers.
Many computers didn t support javascript or video clips.
My attempts to to show the children websites correlated to their classroom lessons caused disappointment because the children were not able to view certain graphics and interactive features. Because of this, I did not open the lab before or after school as previously planned for teachers and teachers' assistants. I attempted to get the teachers more involved with their students computer lab sessions by insisting that they accompany and remain in the lab with their students. If teachers or T.A. s just sat and did not participate, I would ask them to help in specific ways. For example, I would ask the teacher to work with the children in a certain row.