March 7, 2018

Vision21

by Dominick Lisi

1:1 Classroom Management

In this edition of Vision21 I thought I’d share some quick tips for managing classes that have the benefit of 1:1 mobile device technology. This is by no means comprehensive but provides a few simple ideas to use as we begin implementation and transition to a 1:1 learning environment.

  • Be kind to yourself. If you are new to the 1:1 environment, it can be a big change with a steep learning curve. Set small weekly goals for improvement, and go easy on yourself if things aren’t improving as quickly or smoothly as you hoped.
  • Take a cue from your colleagues. Use the advice you get from the teacher in the next classroom and tips from other educators who have found great ways to use tech tools in the classroom.
  • Tune in to your students for tips. The digital natives in your classroom may very well be the best teachers when it comes to knowing the capabilities of their devices and the software loaded on them. Don’t be shy about asking them to show you a thing or two.
  • Google it! If you use Google Classroom, consider taking the Google for Education training courses to become more efficient and skilled with the tools.
  • Use available resources. FCSD has numerous professional development resources available to help you through this transition. Call..ask..schedule. We’re here to help.
  • Set some rules. Technology opens a world of possibilities…but it can also open a can of worms. Set some rules to keep your students safe, respectful and on task.
  • Charge it! Set up a routine for keeping devices charged and make sure your students follow it. Otherwise, you’ll be plagued with dead devices and spend too much time managing who gets to use which device and when.
  • Teach students to be Super Digital Citizens. Share and discuss with your class ways that help them stay cyber-safe, respectful digital citizens.
  • Plan. Whether you have technology or not, the most effective way to achieve classroom management is to plan appropriately. The integration of technology sets a high bar for learning but also requires additional planning.

Your Questions, Our Answers (FAQ)

What is personalized learning?

  • Personalized learning is a buzz word in education right now, but it's a term that carries a lot of subtext and can mean different things to different students. One way we can gain better understanding is to understand what personalized learning is NOT. Below is an adaptation of Kenya Ransey's excellent article on the subject.
    • Personalized learning is NOT having students select a different game, app or online learning module each day for their independent time.
      • ". . . having all students select an online game, app, or learning module from a pre-determined list is not really student choice—after all, someone else curated the list. While it’s a step in the right direction, allowing students time to explore and make choices for themselves bears a stronger connection to personalization. " - Kenya Ransey, 2017
    • Personalized learning is NOT online game systems that serve up predetermined or computer-determined questions to students for practice. [IXL, Moby Max, Prodigy Math, etc.]
      • See Kenya's quote above.
    • Personalized learning is NOT teachers making an individual learning plan for each student.
      • "In a personalized learning environment, the responsibility is shared between the teacher and student—all participants in the learning process have an important role and must work collaboratively. This approach requires a paradigm shift for educators teaching in traditional school models, because information acquired and learned is not limited to the scope, perspective, or knowledge level of one individual (the teacher.)" - Kenya Ransey, 2017
    • Personalized learning is NOT something that can only occur with technology.
      • "When it comes to personalized learning, sometimes technology can simplify things. Logistically, a 1:1 device-to-student ratio makes it is easier for students to engage in unique learning experiences, work at their own pace, and pursue their own interests. Technology can also give access to a wider range of content and resources that are not readily available in a learner’s physical location. Yet, although technology can support personalized learning in a number of ways, it does not lie at the core of the concept. Learning is the primary focus, and technology can be along for the ride—or not." - Kenya Ransey, 2017

Have a question, concern or request about the DLI?

Use the form below to send your thoughts to us. Or simply e-mail Dom Lisi: Dlisi@fulton.cnyric.org or Dan Sherman: DSherma1@fulton.cnyric.org

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1:1 Instructional Resources & Success Stories

What's the rest of the world doing with 1:1?

Personalized Learning

1:1 Classroom Designs of the Future - A Thought Model

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"The real power of interactive technologies is that they let us learn in ways that aren’t otherwise possible or practical." - David Lassner