Using a Computer Lab for the Publication of Narratives

Wow, the first time students log onto a computer is a keep your fingers crossed kind of moment.   I am unsure if the computer will work, will the student's log in work, and will it take most of the period to load.

The primary problem is that I have 35 students and there are 30 computers in the lab.  So I have to ask some of my colleagues if a student can use a computer in their classroom.  I try to make these arrangements ahead of time and assign students who I know can complete the task without assistance.  Secretly, I hope a few people are absent.  However, everyone is present. 

Today we are typing and submitting the exploding moment narrative (W 9-10. 6 and W.9-10.3).  It is the final stage of the writing process: publication in the appropriate format.  For this essay, the narrative must be in MLA format and submitted to Edmodo, our class on line site, by the end of class (L 9-10. 3a). 

Once everyone is logged on, I will go over MLA format.  I walk the students step by step to set up their essay.  And I remind them that they have a handout on MLA formatting if they need to visualize the instructions.  I also show them the Purdue OWL  so they have an online reference if they need it. 

After I take them through the steps, they will be on their own to type/revise their essays (W 9-10. 5).