Raspberry Pi - Organization

I keep going to back to utilizing Raspberry Pi computers to introduce Python coding skills in my middle school technology class. Why do I pick the Raspberry Pi over web-based options that can be accessed on devices we already have out and ready to go? In my experience, it is easy for students to get lost and off task on other devices that are connected to the Internet. The Raspberry Pi, thus far, seems to keep students on the task at hand while providing a sense of novelty. Also, in each class, I have the students collect the needed pieces and connect up their Raspberry Pi. This is in order to reinforce the parts of the computer and provide authentic tech troubleshooting skills.

We only have enough resources for seven Raspberry Pi computers. Students are required to collaborate and be able to work with others in pairs or groups of three for each project. This is beneficial in helping the students through the new concepts and making them more comfortable with coding. By the end, my goal is that all students appreciate and have a basic understanding of coding. They should feel that coding is something doable.

How do I organize the components for the computers?

Monitors: Cords wrapped around screen and placed on shelf
Keyboards: Stacked on shelf
Mice: Stored in a drawer
Power Cord: Stored in a drawer
Raspberry Pi: Stored in a drawer

microSD cards: Cards are labeled with a number and placed in a bag labeled with the same number along with a piece of numbered card stock color coded by class. In the drawer is a sheet of paper which lists the classes and each group’s assigned microSD number.

Each group of students has their own microSD card, making it seem as if the computer was actually theirs. This cuts back on the potential issue of work disappearing between classes and allows students to take risks such as installing programs or changing settings as time allows.