Get organized, automate routines, and help make your students more engaged!
Managing a Tech Active Classroom
1. Start with your classroom setup
Just in any well-managed classroom, setup is essential. First, configure the desks in such a way that you can see all or most screens. For example, student desks can face the outer walls of the classroom in a circular fashion. Or, if rows or pairs work best for your class, consider setting up your desk at the back of the classroom. You’ll be able to view all screens and students without being front and center.
2. Make digital citizenship a priority
3. Teach mini-lessons before using devices
The number one mistake I’ve seen in classrooms using devices is the order of process. Imagine a student-filled room starting to vibrate with excitement as the students hear they will be using chromebooks. The teacher hands out the numbered devices to his/her students and their fingers punch in their personal logins the moment they get their hands on them. Relieved that all the devices are in functioning condition, the teacher begins his/her directions and the goal in using the devices. What is wrong with this picture? What percentage of students do you think are actually listening to the directions or the lesson’s concepts?
4. Use the power of choice (Give students options)
5. Remember that sharing is caring (Allow time for students to share something they have created or discovered.
6. Conduct teacher check-ins
7. Build in breaks from devices
8. Digital Tools are your friend
Remind
Remind is an education-focused tool for communication. It allows you to send two-way text messages to students or parents wherever they are. You can use this tool to share classroom updates, give parents an update, make sure they're keeping up with video content, or communicate with parents.
Dotstorming
Dotstorming allows students to work together, post and share ideas, and leave feedback for each other. It has a digital bulletin board that allows them to vote on favorite contributions from their peers. This collection of tools, including voting boards and walls, makes collaboration much easier on both students and teachers.
Anchor
Have you ever listened to a podcast? Are you interested in creating your own? Do you have an idea that students can create podcast content around a subject area? If you said yes to any of these then Anchor is your best option. There are over 2.4 million podcasts with over 66 million episodes. Maybe it would be beneficial to get your students started with this.