Expectations
Having an iron clad set of expectation would be essential even if this was just a regular school year, but with the addition of a 1 to 1 program, expectation become that much more important. Even though I enjoy how the technology enhances learning in my classroom, it can hinder the overall experience if expectations are not implemented properly. The following are a few suggestions, but expectations will ultimately include what is most effective for your specific situation.
- If someone is addressing the class (discussion, announcement, etc.), teacher or student, all attention should be focused on the speaker. Students should be prompted to shut screens completely to alleviate any potential distractions. Eventually, students will close their computers out of habit.
- Students should only be on websites, applications, or documents pointed out by the teacher. Boundaries must be set. This process becomes much easier when classroom tasks are interactive for students, and not worksheets put into PDF form. BE SPECIFIC.
- When the students are working on tasks that do not involve the computers, they should be shut.
- Have the students face their computers in a uniform fashion. In all honesty, you are not going to be concerned about each individual screen, because hopefully you are walking around questioning students about current class work (helping them reach a higher level of understanding), but this at least discourages students who slouch in the corner or try to twist their screens attempting to get away with being off task.
THESE EXPECTATIONS BECOME MUCH EASIER FOR STUDENTS TO ACCEPT WHEN CLASSWORK IS MEANINGFUL, EXCITING, AND THOUGHT PROVOKING!
Room Design
In most cases, whatever furniture you have in your classroom is what you are married to. I have desks, and they are functional. I was actually asked if I wanted tables, but turned that idea down because desks are more versatile (in my opinion). In my classroom, students are free to collaborate at all times. I created a seating chart, but students moved so frequently that it was unrecognizable by the end of the year. Students could shift desks around into table arrangements to collaboate, and still revert back to individual desks for discussions. Whatever you decide to use, encourage the benefits of collaboration. Lastly, do not concern yourself with the students' proximity to power sources. Normally, I would only have one student per day who required charging of their computer. Be a flexible teacher. Trust students to be responsible enough to change seats, relocating near a power source for the period.
Parental Involvement
At the beginning of the year, open the lines of communication with your parents so they understand the types of work to expect at home in relation to technology. From talking with parents, frustration in the home occurs when students convey the requirement to be on the computer for everything, when this is not the case. If parents are aware of the normal items their students will be using the computer for, and receive an occasional email outlining an online project or specific website, the anxiety level will drastically reduce in the home.
Final Thoughts
Starting out the year correctly with technology will make the remainder of the year much more efficient. Time can be spent offering rich learning opportunities as opposed to being the technology police. These three items helped my year go smoothly, and hopefully they will aid you as well. Please feel free to comment below, or ask clarifying questions about this important 1 to 1 topic.
Clayton M. Edwards
Middle School Math
Grundy Center Middle School
MA Middle Level Mathematics
Ed. D. Curriculum and Instruction (current)
