Lesson One: Computer Lab Safety

Title: Computer Lab Safety

Grade Level: 12 (Unit may be adapted to any class using computer lab online activities.)

Subject Areas: Business and Language Arts

Learner Outcomes: The students will acquire knowledge of and identify safety procedures in a computer lab when dealing with items that may include:
    1. Electrical Equipment
        a. General
        b. Microcomputers
        c. Monitors
        d. Printers
        e. Diskettes
    2. Emergency Procedures

Time Frame: One 45 minute class period

Materials: Building Diagram of Exit Procedure Handout (to be obtained from individual schools), Computer Lab Safety PowerPoint Presentation, Computer Lab Safety Rules and Procedures handout, and Acceptable Use for Computer Networks and Telecommunications Policy form (a copy of Logan County Schools' Acceptable Computer Use Policy is given as an example)

Technology Tools/Courseware: Computer Projector Device, Microsoft PowerPoint Software, and an Internet Capable Computer Lab

Teacher Notes:

The introduction to this lesson will take place in the computer lab and continue for the duration of Lessons 2-5 at which time the language arts teacher will work collaboratively with the business education teacher in completion of the state-mandated senior research project and/or electronic portfolio.
An Acceptable Computer Use Policy may need to be written before beginning this lesson or be obtained from the county board of education if possible. A copy of Logan County Schools' Acceptable Use for Computer Networks and Telecommunications Policy has been included to be used as an example.
At the end of Lesson 3 (E-Mail Safety) an acknowledgment signature form must be signed by the student and his/her parent(s) or guardian as well as the sponsoring teacher to verify that he/she received handouts and instruction on computer lab safety and has agreed to comply with proper computer lab usage.

Procedures:

The student will begin the unit "Safety First/Research Techniques" by viewing the Computer Lab Safety PowerPointPresentation for detailed examples of the proper use of the computer lab.
During discussion of computer lab safety, the teacher will model "do's and don'ts" of proper use of general electrical equipment, microcomputer, monitor, printer, and computer diskettes and CD's. The students will receive a copy of the Computer Lab Safety Rules and Procedures handout (to be signed after completion of Lesson 3).
The teacher will assign certain duties to specific students to complete during emergency exit situations.
The student will "walk through" emergency exit procedures.
The student will be required to read, sign, and have parent(s) or guardian sign the Acceptable Use Policy for Computer Networks and Telecommunications before working in the computer lab. The sponsoring teacher will also be required to sign this form in recognition of the student's agreement for responsible computer usage.

Modifications:

The teacher should determine the need for student assistance based on inclusion and request that a special education teacher and/or aide be present during lesson instruction and activities.
Teachers are encouraged to use peer tutoring, cooperative learning, and/or small group activities.

Enrichment Activities: Computer Lab Safety Rules and Procedures PowerPoint Presentation, Computer Lab Safety Rules and Procedures, and Acceptable Use Policy for Computer Networks and Telecommunications form

Evaluation/Assessment: Class Participation, Teacher Observation, and completion of Acceptable Use Policy for Computer Networks and Telecommunications form for usage of the computer in the school system.

State IGO's and Other Standards (WVIGOS):
West Virginia Instructional Goals and Objectives:
    Language Arts: 12.38
    Process/Workplace Goals:
        Communications: PW.2, PW.14
        Self Management: PW.35, PW.36, PW.37, PW.38, PW.43

National Standards

For Further Information:
     Abigail Reynolds
     West Virginia State Dept. of Education
     National Standards

References:
Century 21 Accounting. Cincinnati, OH: South Western Publishing Company, publication date unknown (prior to 1995)
Internet Safety

Authors: Terri H. Burgess | Natalie Cook | Mary Ruth Hale | Man High School

Date Modified:

Attachments: Computer Lab Safety Rules and Procedures PowerPoint Presentation, Computer Lab Safety Rules and Procedures, and Acceptable Use Policy for Computer Networks and Telecommunications for Logan County Schools

Safety First/
Research Techniques Lesson Plans

Lesson 2:
Internet Safety

Lesson 3:
E-mail Safety

Lesson 4:
Research Techniques Using On-line Resources

Lesson 5:
Technological Competency

Return to Top of Page

SAFETY FIRST/RESEARCH TECHNIQUES

Lesson One: Computer Lab Safety