LAB Vs Distributed Access

LAB -- Disadvantages & Advantages

• The downfall of many ILS (Integrated Learning System) Labs --- they were typically Aide Facilitated with Classroom Teacher Absent.  Results reflected lack of skills  integration into the curriculum or regular classroom.

• Typically too expensive & limited use through scheduling problems
• Interaction typically only between student and computer or student and facilitator.  Little interaction between peers.

• Typically REFLEX over REFLECTION software experiences
• Resulting in Poor Student Progress

ROLE of the LAB

Advantages:

• Easiest way to disseminate the greatest amount of information usually at the lowest levels of mastery (daily schedule)

• Everyone on the same skill, same page, at the same time (daily schedule)
• Typically, everyone at the same (low) Mastery Level

B. Distributed Access Advantage

-- Usually 1 to 10 stations (mini-labs) in each classroom

1. Cooperative Learning Roles  -- Social Interaction and human touch (reflection over reflex)
2. SCANS -- team work, resource management, time management, mentorships, and problem-solving, negotiation and communication skills
3. Ethics & Acceptable Use Policies -- "brains without restrains"
4. Opportunity for teacher-guided products at Upper Mastery Levels
5. Opportunity to teach What Employers Want.

ROLE of Both Settings

• To support
  • active-research
  • project-based
  • curriculum