• Set clear standards for the ways in which students must or may use the classroom computers and the Internet. Post these standards on the wall and share with kids during opening day orientation.
• Make a plan for student access to the computers. Be sure that all students are given equal opportunities to use technology.
• Place the computers in areas that will allow you to easily monitor student use, while not distracting students engaged in other classroom activities.
• Be sure that students have read, understood, and returned a signed copy of the school's Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). This is essential if you plan to use the Internet in your classroom. To see sample AUPs see Global SchoolNet site and the California Department of Education.
• Organize your files. Delete old files and put the remaining ones in easy-to-find locations. Develop a file management system to help your students locate documents quickly. Set up folders for student work on the desktop and use shortcuts to application files.
• Change or update your passwords to network systems, email and the Internet. It is a good idea to change passwords regularly, and guard them carefully (but don't forget to write them down somewhere).
• Use McAfee to prevent against attack by viruses from the Internet and floppy disks. Place a workorder for technician to upgrade your McAfee VirusScan at least twice during the year.
• Make templates for assignments that students will use do often.
• Clean up your Internet bookmarks. Delete URLs that no longer work or no longer useful. Use the "Organize bookmarks" feature in Netscape or Explorer to put related bookmarks in the same folder to save kids time.
• Delete old email. Save important email to disk.
• Take Advantage of the Internet. It is an incredible resource for educators, offering professional learning through games, graphics, lesson plans, education chat rooms, software reviews, research articles, and much more. Also students acquire knowledge or skills through exploring, presenting, and exchanging with others.
• Tap into Student Expertise. Students can serve as technology mentors who do routine computer maintenance, troubleshoot, or help peers use computers as learning tools in the classroom.
• Be Proactive in Professional Development. In order to really see technology in action, you need to observe how your school's tech expert uses computers with kids. Also you must be willing to share your ideas and strategies. After attending a conference, come back and share what you have learned to your staff. Also visit the Internet for learning. More and more corporations are assuming the position of leadership in the area of professional development for educators.

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