I love forums too!

I agree that forums are a great way of tapping into the potential of a community of learners who can, in so many ways, run on its own. I noticed, in the forum we started in ESL Computer Applications class, that when one person asked a question about a certain topic, and another person answered, there were other students who posted saying that they used the tips suggested or appreciated having the help that was provided. In other words, it is so much more effective to have students help each other and consult past questions and posts because it avoids the inefficiency of several people asking the teacher the same question, over and over. Also, education is becoming increasingly student-centered and rests on the idea of giving students the tools to build their own framework of learning. Forums fit right in with that philosophy.

Computer Classroom Management

There are many things that I really appreciated in our Computer Classroom Management discussion. First of all, the age-old motto "be prepared" applies to everything, including how to set up and carry out a computer class. I thought the suggestion of standing on the opposite end of the classroom so you can see all the screens sounded really smart. I was glad that we went over all the basic rules for computer class (not eating and drinking, no running in the lab etc.), it was a good reminder. Our chat about how to deal with porn was an eye-opener too; I had never realized how important it is to be calm and controlled and not freak out.

I also appreciated the suggestions of non-threatening ways to monitor the classroom. Getting down to eye-level with students, asking if students need help or how the activity is going are all useful ways to monitor a computer classroom, but also to monitor a regular classroom as well.
I am looking forward to my next practicum because I'll have more chances to put these suggestions and techniques into practice in a computer classroom!!