It is not likely that you will have a shortage of students who want to use the classroom computers at any time. The more likely problem is developing a fair system for students to get an equal opportunity for using the computer. Creating a computer schedule is the most fair way to go about this. Have a designated computer time each morning, and make a list with students' names. Follow the order on the list and move a clothespin down as each student uses the computer.
Many elementary classrooms have center time, and introducing the computer as a center is a natural fit. Each week, the activity on the computer should vary to reinforce and provide extension on the concepts focused on that week. The activities should be something that can be completed independently. For young students, provide a template, bookmarked Internet links and a step-by-step tip sheet to complete an activity. Many classrooms have age-appropriate software available for computers.
Computers provide an option for publishing student writing. Programs such as Microsoft Word and Publisher allow for students to type the final drafts of writing and add stylistic elements such as clip art, font and color to personalize their products. Allowing students to type their writing on the computer provides great practice with keyboarding skills, which become important as computers are used more frequently in the classroom. Students can type letters and create posters and newsletters using the publishing tools.
Interactive activities are available on the Internet in all subject areas. Using computers in the classroom is a helpful way for students to reinforce the skills they have been learning. Students enjoy math games to practice their computation. They can complete online science investigations, recording the procedure and results and drawing a conclusion in a journal. Using designated search engines and given web addresses, students can further research a topic they are studying.