13,420
edits
Changes
no edit summary
The main purpose of this tool is to allow the instructor to teach and assist students from their workstations in an efficient manner.
== Procedures for Managing Workstations ==
=== YouTube Video ===
: '''If you want to see the visual steps for "Powering Up Computer LabProcedures for Managing Workstations", here is a link to a customized YouTube video: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3fb_AZUy7k http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3fb_AZUy7k]
==== Useful Features of Italc====
[[Image:italcbuttons.png|thumb|175px|right500px| '''Using Italc to view student activitySome buttons (features) in the italc application'''. ]]
There are many features that the Italc application provides in the Computer Lab learning environment including:
=====Viewing all student Activity =====
<table>
<tr valign="top">
<td>
:The ability for an instructor in one glance to view all student activity can be very useful:
::* Check to see if students are having problems
::* Monitor the progress of all of the students
::* Check to ensure that students are not distracted (eg. "surfing the Net instead of creating a Word-processing document).
::* Ability to view while sitting-down and not "hovering over students' workstations
:'''As a matter of interest:''' several community college professors are curious to see this Italc feature at Westminster. Although it may not apply to the Westminster computer lab, the Italc application has an ability to take screen-shots of terminals for proof of cheating during on-line tests or exams!
:In order to focus on a specific student's desktop (account), simply point on the workstation, and double-click.
::* Allow the student to demonstrate with instructor watching (without "hovering" over workstation)
::* Provides a method to have a student demonstrate a technique or skill, and allow other students to view data display projection to learn, then practice technique on their own workstation.
::* Instructor has control over the student's mouse pointer (in addition to the student) to help guide the student in learning
:'''SUGGESTION: It is recommended for the instructor to guide, not necessarily take full control away from the student while they are learning...'''
===== Lock all Student Computer Accounts =====
<table>
<tr valign="top">
<td>
:The instructor can lock all student workstations.
:Usually, this is a technique that can be used when an instructor wants students not to become distracted while an important lesson or announcement is made that requires full student attention.
:It is a common fact that students can become distracted when having access to a computer. Although many "games" have been removed from the student's accounts, they may still be distracted by the web-browser ("surfing the Net:).
===== Full Screen / Windowed Demo =====
:Unfortunately, Locking all student computer accounts (discussed above) may "force" the students to focus their attention to the data display projection.
:On the other hand, an instructor can select "Full Screen Demo" in order to broadcast the instructor's desktop to all of the students' workstation monitors.
:In this way, students will not become distracted, and have the option to either view their screen or the data display projection.
:When the instructor turns-off the Full Screen Demo, then control is restored back to the students, to practice their learned skills.
:'''SUGGESTION: Studies have shown that students relate better to a combination of theory and practice. An instructor can break down curriculum into a series of "micro-teaching" sessions, followed by "Practice-Time" or a project.'''
</td>
<td>[[Image:italc4.png|thumb|175px|right| '''Lock Workstations to lessen "Distractions"'''. ]]</td>
<td>[[Image:italc5.png|thumb|175px|right| '''Using "Full Screen Demo Mode" to provide flexibility for viewing''' (both Data Display Projection <u>or</u> Workstation monitor). ]]</td>
</tr>
</table>
===== Log-off and Power Down all Workstations =====
[[Image:italc7.png|thumb|350px|'''Confirmation Dialog box to confirm log-off and shutdown of all active computer accounts'''. ]]
:'''Prior to shutting down students' workstations, all students are required to correctly save their work, and close all applications. The instructor can use the Italc application to verify that the students have correctly performed those tasks.'''
:In order to log-off active student accounts and shutdown the workstation CPUs, simple click on the Power Down button. The instructor will be prompted to confirm shutdown of all active accounts. When the instructors confirms yes, all of the students' accounts will be logged-out and the workstation CPUs will be powered down within 2 seconds! Due to the architecture of this lab, this is not dangerous, and does not pose a risk to students' loss of work.
: The instructor can now proceed with "Grabbing Student Work", and/or "Shutting Down the Computer Lab"
:'''NOTE: The Power-on button does not work, and can be ignored since the user can start all workstations by clicking the Start Workstations icon in the Teacher's desktop. This application does not allow remote student or automatic student login from the Teacher account. The reasons for these restrictions are based on security.
'''
== Additional Resources ==
*Italc User Manual: [ [http://italc.sf.net/italc-manual-20070129.pdf pdf] ]