Big Macs - Our Approach to 1:1 Management

We have all had those days.  It was a 12:30 dismissal and I had signed up for the computer lab.  In the midst of having all 28 students attempt to log in to their laptops, time completely escaped me and I forgot to bring the children to lunch.  Luckily, my teammates noticed that my class was not in the cafeteria, and quickly came back to remind us.  Walking quickly to the lunchroom, my principal stopped me and jokingly asked if I decided to let the children eat lunch that day.  I put my hands up and just said, "It is computer lab day, Mr. Walker!  Computer lab day!"

The words, "Computer lab day" can strike fear and anxiety into the heart of any classroom teacher.  Twenty-eight students calling your name with hands raised is enough to drive any experienced educator up the proverbial wall.

After one too many of these  experiences,  we knew that there had to be a better way to manage classroom behavior while introducing technology into the curriculum.

Let us introduce the Big MAC  system.

In groups of 4-6, designate ONE student as a Big MAC.  These students are representative of our technology department.  In the past, I have found that students who may not have necessarily had the best grades and/or conduct made fantastic Big Macs.  This gave students who may never have had a leadership position in the educational setting to really shine.

If a student within the group has a question, and we all know that they will, the students in the group must first ask their designated Big MAC.  If the Big MAC in the group does not have the answer to the particular question given, that Big MAC must go conference with the other Big MACS in the room.  If and only IF, the Big MACS do not have an answer to the question may they come to me for an answer.

This method has helped tremendously in management of technology integration.  Not only has it  helped students gain responsibility in the technology implementation process, but it also has given students the opportunity to work collaboratively in a safe and nurturing learning environment.