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Classroom Management Tips and Tricks

Procedures, Procedures, Procedures!!!!!!

Picture
Understand:
  • If you have poor management now , technology will not solve the problem (it will likely make it worse).
  • Adding technology to boring lessons does not make the lesson more interesting.
  • Ultimately, this is your classroom. You must be comfortable with the technology before you integrate it into your curriculum. 
--GO SLOW
--Pick one technology tool/strategy and master it before moving.
--There are no expectations that you use technology for any certain % of time in class. 

Think about what works for you:
  • Music? Headphones?
  • "multitasking"?
  • e-mail?
  • CONSEQUENCES?
  • Have clear expectations outlined and communicated before students use devices.
  • Establish procedures and expectations for all of these things.

Before students arrive:
  • Using technology requires lots of planning!
  • Ensuring that you are using technology with a purpose alleviates a lot of off-task behavior!
  • Test your lesson with a student device!
  • Test all websites and links prior to student use to ensure nothing is blocked by content filtering.
  • Always have a plan B!

Practical Tips
  • Setup your room in a practical way that allows you to move around the room and utilize proximity.
  • Identify and empower a class student tech leader to assist you with technology issues.
  • Create a culture of collaboration in your room. Use "3 before me", which requires students to consult three resources (including their device and peers) before coming to you with a question.
  • Establish Cues to ensure smooth transitions (Examples: "Apples up," to put devices face down and eyes on teacher, "Apples out," to get devices out and ready for use, .....)
  • Make all students flip their iPads face down on the desk when you want to make an important point and want to ensure attention is on you.
  • If you are not using devices for an activity or class period, make sure you have an established procedure/expectation for what students can and can't do with their devices.
  • Bring it out when its needed. Put it up when it isn't needed.
  • Start class with a technology task/bell-ringer to get students focused on class as opposed to doing personal things while waiting for you to start.
  • If something doesn't work the first time, don't give up! Reflect on how you can make it work and try again.
  • Create a standard naming convention (FirstLastNameofAssignment) for all files turned in to help eliminate questions and to help you better stay organized with a large influx of digital files.
  • Collaborate, Collaborate, Collaborate!!! You are not in this boat alone. Collaborate with your peers and grow together!