"Concept Before Construction"

from Neil MacQueen
Sunday Software, 1-800-678-1948

Other Important Articles to read:
Getting Started
Selecting Software

I've been teaching with computers in Sunday School since 1990 and been helping churches develop their labs for nearly as long. On the way, we've learned a few things. There's simply no excuse for repeating our mistakes! So read this article, and then read the full discussion in my book, Teaching with Computers in Christian Education. <>< Neil

Things that amaze me about Computers in CE:

Things that bother me about Computers in CE:

Churches that start computer labs based on ZERO research.

Folks who have never taught with computers in a Sunday School classroom ignoring advice from those who have. 

Staff and well-meaning volunteers who think any computer is God's gift to their program. (Junk is not a gift)

Multimedia computers stacked like cordwood on tables in classrooms with printers, speakers and mousepads vying for remaining space, and kids seated one to a computer with headphones on (not the best way to learn).

And yes... too many computer for the room size. Or too many computers for the size of their classes. Or too many for the teachers and budget to support. ( I hear about this problem all the time.)

Teachers who think "teaching in the lab" means "wandering the room" watching kids at the computer.

Churches that will spend $2000 on computers but won't spend money on an extra table or an extra outlet, or the right number of program copies to make their teachers' lives easier.

Techies who wire up machines and slap Windows 2000 and a network in the lab --and then leave it to the teachers to discover most programs can't be networked and have no site licenses, ...and many programs can't run on W2000.

Techies who will accidentally determine the layout of your computer lab--and thus some of what you can or can't accomplish-- based on the 3 ft. printer cable they bought to "save you money," rather than asking "what kind of layout would best facilitate teaching?"

Folks who will buy new computers before looking at software or trying to teach with it.

Churches that create computer labs beyond their ability to properly assign teachers to it in the correct ratio.

Four or more kids per computer on a regular basis. (How do you think that 4th kid feels about their chances?)

One kid per computer wearing headphones. (if this is your model for "sharing the Gospel" in Sunday School, buy your software somewhere else, really.)

Why churches construct worship service schedules that exclude kids ...and then complain when young people don't want to come to worship.

Why they make it so hard to get that round white safety seal off the squeezable ketchup bottle.

Things I keep saying:

 
"Concept before Construction"......Create the optimal environment for the teacher and students, not the custodian or techie or whatever computer junk they hope you're happy with.

"Form follows function"...... If you're going to be studying, writing, conversing, and working together at a computer, give them the room to do it.

Contestant: 'Surprising Things You'll Discover about the Computer Lab'  for 200 Alex.
Alex Trebek: The Answer is "Heat + Sound. "
Contestant: (Buzzer Buzzer).... "What are two things multimedia computers give off."

(We'll also accept the question: "Why you need a good size room and space between your computers.")

"Don't leave your educator instincts at the door of the computer lab."

"If you just want to make them happy, put in cable TV and serve doughnut holes."

READ MY GETTING STARTED ARTICLE --  It may save you money, frustration and "face." Then read my book, it will save you time, money and frustration and FACE too!

"How about a ketchup bottle pull tab that works."

I'd be happy to discuss or troubleshoot your computer lab concept with you. Give me a ring at 1-800-678-1948 or email me at neil@sundaysoftware.com  <>< Neil MacQueen

You'll also find help with your computer lab concept in my book, Teaching with Computers in Christian Education.