One Computer Media Center

[Carolyn]

Hi,
I'm the media specialist at a K - 6 school (at least for this year, rumor is we are adding PK in the fall). I recently attending a technology conference and have started to think about different ways to use technology in the media center for next year. My problem is that there is only one public computer in the media center connected to the Internet and no computer lab in the school. How does teach/use technology like wikis, blogs, pocast in such a situation?

Thanks

[Durff]

Improvise! While we do have a classroom with computers called a lab, it is used as a classroom except for block. I try to visit monthly. Otherwise, I assign homework on a blog, via podcasts, or projects on wikis. I give kids a lot of time. Most get it done immediately at home. That alone says something. I have a teacher computer in my classroom, but cannot download anything. I bring my laptop to school when I need Audacity or Skype. It's just easier than arguing. I would start with podcasting primaries reading books - use an MP3 player and make the podcast later. Get a projector for the computer and show classes youtubes, teachertubes, or vidcasts. Take classes on webquests using the one computer and projector.