What is one particular classroom management issue you have observed in an environment where multiple students are using devices? How was this issue addressed, or how could it have been addressed?
Some background first: this past year we went 1:1 with Chromebooks for English/Language Arts. As a result, each student has access to "their" device during this block. The year before each classroom received 6 iPads (1 "teacher" and 5 "student").
We are a new school, opening in the fall of 2006, so everything was "new" and we added as much technology as we could: each classroom has a projector and document camera, 4 desktop PCs, VCR/DVD, digital cameras, access to the library with eight PCsc, access to two 30 laptop carts (and then another a couple of years later), access to one 30 station computer lab (and then a 2nd one when our student population dropped down just enough that we had an extra room and "extra" room PCs to create another 30 computer lab). So, yes, extremely lucky.
With that, we have had policies in place about computer usage and what the results would be for inappropriate usage. Our principal has always been on the Safety Committee so has always been on top of things as he attended many conferences throughout the year and technology issues were always brought up at these conferences. With my online coursework and library background regarding relevant and appropriate searches, I added to the mix. So, we literally put the fear of God into them, sometimes stretching the truth just a little. They thought and still do think that if a picture of something inappropriate pops up, even as an ad, that that will "show up" on a report with their name! I tell them that I will email the tech team so they are aware of the content and everything should work out fine. :). We do run reports daily, and those that search for anything inappropriate lose their privileges, usually 2 weeks or longer. If they use a personal device inappropriately or if there is inappropriate content on it, it is confiscated and a parent has to pick it up from school. It is hard for them doing work traditionally when all of their classmates get to do their work using the technology. That usually does the trick for the rest of the students and the rest of the year. We also have had Crisis Connection come in each year in the fall twice to talk about Internet Safety. They come to our Parent Open House (wonderful having parents on board from the beginning) and then follow that with talking to each classroom. We stress safety and appropriateness constantly.
However, when the devices first arrived this fall, it was like Christmas! This was different as now they each had their own and there wasn't sharing within the room for the Chromebooks, as with the iPads and even when they brought their own. (I have noticed that we don't have nearly as many bring their own devices since we have the 1:1. They don't need to.) I had ideas on what I should do, what "we" should do as a school. I reiterated the rules on inappropriate searches and such, what would happen if they were caught doing something they weren't supposed to, etc. We also installed "Teacher Dashboard" to keep track of what they are doing while on their Chromebooks. That is nice :). They know I can shut down their website in a second and they'll lose their computer. (In the labs and library we have "ABTutor" which shows what each student and their computer are up to.)
For the most part it is up to me to keep them engaged and on task. I need to make sure that their projects or lessons keep them on task. That is quite an undertaking, as I have quick finishers, and those that take their time or are just learning, but it is what it is. If a student doesn't have anything relevant to do, he will wonder what else he can do, and will do it! I will admit, I do the same, so why would they be any different?
I have caught students off-task and searching for new backgrounds, searching for information not relevant to the assignment, looking for game apps/extensions, taking pictures, etc. I then realize that I need to create things that require more work on their part or perhaps more things on their "to do once they are finished" list. I asked our tech people to take away the option of setting their backgrounds after a few weeks. I gave the kids a warning and told them that after two weeks they should have picked a personal background already :), and they can't any longer. I always keep unfinished writing in Google Docs, or rather projects with longer deadlines. They can ALWAYS edit and work on these. We start our days with things to do on My Big Campus and move on. I know how long it should take them to complete some online tasks so I closed their computers as I walk around or give them the "inquiring eye" as to why theirs may still be open. I also am lucky to have a "Challenge" period on Friday afternoons and on occasion we "get to" try out and look for new things on the Chromebooks and iPads that would be relevant for the class to use. The kids like searching for educational things also! So far, these things have worked. They love working on their computers, typing things for me, creating presentations, etc. so they really don't want to lose that. Of course, since I love technology, they never know what I'll be having them do or work on next. Surprise is sometimes fun!
One thing I can't wait to try is "A Google A Day", a resource suggested in this module. Kids love to naturally find tidbits of information, and they love doing it quickly. I think this will be something fun to add to our day, something else to keep them from getting too distracted on things that aren't educational.
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