Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Clemmens]

I've read a lot about the downtime PS teachers have between classes, and was wondering how necessary a laptop would be during those periods, whether to put together lesson plans or just as a way to escape total boredom? Is it possible that the school may have computers available for their teachers? I'm going to be bringing over my desktop but am thinking about buying a cheap POS model laptop before I leave, just so I'll have something to do, or at least look like I have something to do, while working through the downtime. Anyone have any thoughts or stories somewhere along these lines?

[MrRogers]

it really depends on the school situation you sign on to

where will you be? what are their particular available resources? are you in the city, in the country, in one school, in many schools?

i really did not know what to expect until i arrived

usually the school or school district provides some sort of office space and computer for teaching resources between classes...so i don't see the need to lug a computer around all day

besides a district office where i have a tiny space and computer, most of my time is spent travelling around to 9 schools in the countryside...sometimes in those schools i use a computer but usually there is no time with all the shuffling around to and fro...the little time I am on a computer during the work day ... i mostly use the computer in my district office

but it seems really important to have one's own personal computer at one's home space, for privacy, and especially for sanity in a rural area

[Clemmens]

I'll be working with SMOE, but I definitely understand that each school has its own set of circumstances and work conditions. Guess I'll probably save myself a few bucks for now and decide on the laptop issue once I've settled in to the work.

[Zutronius]

Some days I have 5 hours between my second and final class. Bring a book with you, make lessons, learn Korean, etc.

[KYC]

um..most school will have a computer for you to use. I'm in the boonies and I have 2 computers at my disposal (1 in my classroom and 1 in office). The one in my office is in English but the one in the classroom is not.

With SMOE, I'm sure you'll have your own computer to use. Don't bring the DESKTOP..that's crazy..extra weight you dont need. Probably should get a lap top to hook up in your apartment though.

I bought a cheap used laptop before I came and glad I did. No problems yet. Though I might buy a newer one before I go home.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

They should provide you with a computer you can use at a desk in the staff room or your office (if you have one).

[ED209]

Bringing over your desktop would be a waste of space. Though any copies of Windows or Office you have would useful as most computers here operate in Korean only. You can of course DL copies here, but piracy supports terrorism and hates freedom. A second hand desktop will cost between $200-$400 a new one $600-$1,200.

I'm sure your school will give you your own desk and computer.