Using Oral History Tips for Organizing Group Work

Assignments for groups working around a computer include:

• Keyboard Operator-- the person who uses the keyboard.

• Navigator-- the person who makes sure all group assignments are completed, who keeps track of which parts of the lesson the group has finished, and tells the group what they need to do next.

• Recorder-- the person who takes notes on what the group has learned, research topics the group has chosen, and writes down answers to questions. Sometimes the recorder prints out screens and writes group observations or answers directly on printed out pages. Other times, the recorder may simply make notes of useful information.

• Timekeeper-- the person who sets the schedule for group work and group meetings, and who makes sure that group members stay on schedule to complete assignments on time.

You may want to rotate tasks so that each person in the group can take on a different role at some point during the lesson.