Technology Use

Technology Use In Ms. Wennekamp’s Class

We will use various types of tech devices on a daily basis in class to facilitate our learning. In order to have things run smoothly, you should be aware of the applications that we will be using most frequently and the expectations that I have for the use of personal devices in the classroom.

This document will cover both of these topics. If you have any questions about using any of these programs, please speak to me. If you are unable to access the Internet on the school network, your school email, or your PowerSchool account, you must see Mr. Gicuhi immediately.

Items to bring to class daily:

1. Laptop (preferred) or tablet/smartphone with charger

2. Headphones (important for watching videos etc.)

We will use the following on a daily basis:

1. Class Google Site: https://sites.google.com/a/rvschools.ab.ca/chs-math-9-wennekamp/

• This is the heart of our class. You must tell me immediately if you do not have access to this site. Here you will find a breakdown of what we did and learned in each lesson as well as copies of documents, assignments, and instructions. If you use the site effectively, it will help keep you organized, on top of the material, and it will help you get caught up if you have to miss a class.

2. School Email

• This is how I will contact you when necessary. I will share Google Drive documents and surveys via your school email. You must have access to this email and check it on a regular basis.

3. Google Drive and Google Classroom

• We will use this often. Sometimes I will share a document with you and sometimes I will ask you to create or copy a document to share with me. At the beginning of the semester, and until everyone is familiar with Google Drive, I will provide clear instructions for how to do this. Your Drive can be accessed through your school email account.

• Access code for Google Classroom is fwkl3q3. This code is also on the homepage of the class website.

4. PowerSchool

• All grade information will be available in PowerSchool. It is important that you can access this yourself so that you have accurate information about your course grade.

5. Class Calendar

• This is where I will post all of the important dates for the class. You will have access in two ways:

1. Through your Google Calendar. Search for my name and you will find our class calendar. You can then add it to your own person calendar.

2. Through the Google Site. One page on the site is dedicated to our class calendar.

6. Other

• We may use other applications/programs/software throughout the course. I will provide advanced notice if necessary.

Expectations/Rules for the use of tech in class:

As you can see, personal tech devices aren’t just allowed in my classroom, they are encouraged. When used properly, even a smartphone can be a very powerful tool for learning. Like you, when I want to know something, the first thing I do is reach for my phone to look it up. I want to create a classroom environment where devices are used as educational tools in this way. However, we can all agree that phones and computers can also be a significant distraction. It will take maturity on your part to have your phone on your desk and to not use it for personal reasons that will distract from your focus and learning.

The following are my expectations for the use of personal devices. If these expectations are not followed, you might be asked to put your device away for the rest of the class period. If the expectations are not met on a regular basis, you could lose the ability to use your device for several classes or permanently which could severely impact your ability to complete assigned tasks.

1. Your phone should be on silent mode as soon as you enter the class. It should not make any noise at any time.

2. When I am speaking (teaching, giving instructions, etc.), your phone/tablet should be away or facedown on your desk and your computer should be closed.

3. You may use headphones to listen to music at appropriate times (if you’re not sure, ask) but never when I am speaking (teaching, giving instructions, etc.).

4. When I have given specific instructions to use a certain device, application, or program, they should be followed. At that time, devices should not be in use for any other purpose.

5. During work periods, devices can be used to access information in any form that will help your understanding. If you are going to watch a video, you must use headphones.

6. Devices will not be used in the following ways during class time:

a. To communicate with others

b. To access social media

c. To play games

d. For entertainment purposes in any form

e. To work on items for other classes

f. To distract yourself or others or to generally procrastinate from getting work done

7. Use your maturity and common sense when making decisions about the use of a tech device. The line between a productive use and a distracting use is pretty clear.

8. When in doubt – ask! If you feel like you might be about to break one of the “rules” but you have a good reason, just ask me. If you’re not sure if it’s an appropriate time or use, just ask me. It is better to ask in advance than it is to be asked to put your device away for the rest of class and have to work without it.