As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, I’ve instituted a rather informal computer lab option in my studio this semester. Students can opt to sign up for an additional 15 minutes in the computer lab either before or after their lesson time. This is a simple, generic form I created for the students to sign up on at our kick-off event for the year. You can download and use it in your studio by clicking the image below.
Computer Lab Signup Sheet
Share and enjoy!
Hi Nathalie – just to let you know the link to the PDF file doesn’t seem to work properly (it just takes you back to your blog!)
Hi Natalie,
I think it’s a wonderful idea that you have the lab set up. I am wondering if you have a separate room for the lab? what happens when a student has a question? will you be interrupted to answer it? Do they pay a fee for the use of the lab?
I did this before but only for siblings who had back to back lessons. This way if they interrupted, at least they were families. I don’t have a separate space for lab. Though I preped the student before lab began, there was always questions about something. I did not charge them a fee for the use of the “lab” which was essentially my laptop with music Ace.
Lydia
Thanks for letting me know, Jacob. It’s fixed now!
No, I don’t have a completely separate room, but the way the studio is set up, it’s like there is a division between the two sides of the room. I’m not really sure yet how I’ll handle questions…probably just have to see how big of an issue it becomes!
I’m not charging any additional fee for using the computer lab. It’s just one of the extra perks that I’m offering in my studio to add value to the music instruction my students are receiving. We’ll see how it goes this first year!
I am wondering how the lab is working? How are you dealing with questions while you try to teach the other student. Also, is the student having lesson ok with it? Some of my students are very shy. It’d spoof them having another student watching her.
One time, a brother actually corrected his sister’s playing while he was supposed to work on the computer! I am still afraid to try.
Also, do most of your students not have web access at home? it seems that the lab works are web based. Would it make sense to assign them to do at home instead? Not sure.
Hi Natalie,
It’s been a over a month since you implemented the lab. I am wondering how it works out? Does the student using lab ask questions and interrupt your lesson? How about when the lab student exits the studio room? does this distract you as well?
Thanks!
Lydia
Hi Lydia!
So far it’s been working great! Occasionally a question will come up, but it never takes more than a minute to answer it and continue with the lesson.
The way I have it set up is so that on the laptop that the students use, the home page is set to the student links page on my website. When they open up the internet browser it automatically opens to that page and then they can select their game or activity based on which mastery challenges they are working toward that week. It makes it easy for them to get around to different games and such without having to type the urls in on their own.
Also, my students are all used to having lots of activity around the studio – people going in and out or sitting in on lessons, so it doesn’t bother them at all when students are exiting after finishing their computer lab time.
Still hoping to get a virtual tour put together soon so you can actually see how I have everything set up!
Thanks, Natalie. I am glad it’s working nicely for you. I look forward to seeing the virtual tour!
Lydia