Classroom+Management+with+Technology

Simple Rules for Good Classroom Management with 1:1 Technology Program
by Cynde Reneau

Classroom management is the first thing that must be established when starting a 1:1 program. Teachers and technology leaders must set forth rules and guidelines in the very beginning for a 1:1 to be successful. Helping teachers develop their own classroom management plan with a set of rules that cover every conceivable disruption or misbehavior will be the key to great technology integration. Keep in mind there is no magic plan to classroom management with technology, setting rules, being consistent, and adjusting them to fit your classroom personality will most certainly help you to be successful. Here are a few simple rules to get started with classroom management with technology:

1. **Technology device remains off/closed until instructed by the teacher to use it** - This rule is an excellent way to stop the chaos from the beginning. If students get in the habit of coming into the classroom and using technology right from the beginning that shows no control. Have a plan or demo to show them at the beginning of class before allowing them to use their own technology. 2. **Design a "Listening Position"** - Whether it be the laptop lid being half way down and eyes on the teacher or mobile devices in sleep position or face down. This establishes respect for the teacher or speaker. Always have the rule that if you begin to speak that devices go into "Listening Position" immediately. 3. **Educational Purposes Only** - This is really an important rule to enforce right from the beginning. Students will push these limits and continue to ask if they may play games or do things other than school work on the device. Consistency from the beginning is very important to keep a teacher's classroom management in tact. 4. **Keep your hands on your own device** - This rule is most helpful on many levels. First explaining that if you are helping a student, doing it for them will not teach them how to do it next time. Showing them while they use the device is the most effective way. One of the biggest problems of misbehavior in a 1:1 program can be students helping other students by doing their work. This misbehavior occurs when another student is doing the work instead of showing them how and the project is messed up, deleted or corrupted. Teaching students to help by showing is the best method to obtain that classroom management. The last reason to instill this rule is germs. All teachers know that combating germs is a daily job and keyboards can be one of the major places for germs to live because of our hands. Having students not touch each other's keyboard is the best way to stop the spread of germs in the classroom. 5. **Build relationships with your students** - This is the most basic rule but probably the most important. Gaining a good relationship with your students that includes the love of your class and respect will give you the most control of your classroom, especially with technology. 6. **Don't bore your students** - Setting goals for use with technology as well as designing good integration ideas and projects will ensure you have good control over your students. With boredom come games and other non-educational activities. They will use the technology to keep their minds occupied if you do not. 7. **Set Consequences** - Most schools will have a technology plan and acceptable use policy. Strictly stick to it and don't allow any student to veer from those policies. Consistency is the key to success. 8. **Know what your students are doing -** Don't stand at the front of the room are at your desk while technology is being used. Walk the room and observe what students are doing. If you see any inappropriate use be sure to use that as a teachable moment. 9. **Teach Internet Safety and etiquette -** Don't assume that your students know what good digital citizenship is. If you are without a technology integration specialist that can help you, there are many web sites that help you develop a small curriculum to teach it. This is one of the most important parts of good classroom management with technology.