TIP #1: ENGAGE STUDENTS IN AUTHENTIC LEARNING
When students are fully engaged in what they are investigating, learning, and creating, they tend to stay on task. Collaborate with other exceptional educators, and use the tools on the "Instructional Pillars" pages to engage your students in authentic learning!
TIP #2: USE KEY PHRASES TO GRAB ATTENTION
Whether you keep it simple or get creative, use a consistent verbal cue to grab attention and close devices.
Common for iPads:
"Apples Up" (because the apple icon on the back of the iPad faces the ceiling... up... when the iPad is face-down)
Common for Chromebooks:
"Lids Down" (Remember, Google auto-saves and Chromebooks reboot in less than 5 seconds!)
Note: Be sure to practice with students. Find the key phrase that works for you, then have students respond/practice often the first few weeks.
TIP #3: INVOLVE STUDENTS IN SETTING THE ELECTRONIC POLICY
When you ask great questions, you may be amazed at how insightful students are regarding the appropriate use and consequences for misuse when it comes to technology in class. Empower students to make the rules with you!
TIP #4: USE A ROSTER AND ASSIGN EACH STUDENT A SPECIFIC DEVICE NUMBER (for shared devices)
Giving students an assigned number increases their ownership of the device. It also keeps you organized and able to quickly determine who used a device recently, if ever issues arise.
TIP #5: BE MOBILE
Proximity is best practice for general classroom management, and it holds effective for technology integration as well. Move around the room; view their screens.
TIP #6: VIEW STUDENTS' SCREENS USING APPLE CLASSROOM OR BLOCKSI
Access the directions here.
TIP #7: TYPE DETAILED ONLINE DIRECTIONS
Be concise, but provide students with clear directions and sufficient detail to complete the task independently. Your written specificity will save you time that would otherwise be spent clarifying or verbally re-explaining directions.
TIP #8: EVERYTHING DOES NOT NEED TO BE ONLINE
Use technology to transform learning, to do things previously unimaginable, such as creating videos or chatting with a class on the other side of the world.
Find the balance between online and offline so as to maximize students' learning experience.
simple, clear, and full of additional resources; a must-read for educators and parents