When my school allowed students to bring their own devices to the classroom…and use those devices for educational purposes, I was ecstatic! All of the neat things I’d wanted to do with technology, but couldn’t because my students couldn’t access technology…I could implement those activities! So exciting!
Typically, when I get excited about trying a new strategy in my classroom, I only think about the positives. I envision my classroom full of “little Bethany’s” who are excited to learn and will only do what the teacher says (for fear of getting in trouble!) However, I don’t teach a class of robots programmed to do exactly what I say and not think about anything else, and neither do you!
So, how do we manage a classroom in which students can utilize electronic devices….BE MOBILE!
In my high school class, I can’t sit behind my desk and expect my students to only go to the website I provide for them. I have to MOVE around the classroom!
I try to create activities that are engaging and a little more exciting than listening to me drone on about my favorite historical topics. However, sometimes the kids would rather text their BFF than actively read a primary source.
How do I discourage this behavior? I move about the room! I ask students what they think about a specific section of the text. I consistently remind my students that using their electronic device in class is a privilege that I am giving them, and it is not a right. Their devices can still be confiscated if they are being used inappropriately.
Here are some tips for implementing a BYOD policy in your classroom…
- Establish clear guidelines
- if students use their devices inappopriately, those devices can still be confiscated and those students are still subject to disciplinary action. Students must know this!
- Provide students with a list of apps that you think are beneficial for their learning
- BE MOBILE! This is so important, it could have easily tied for the number 1 slot
- Encourage students to use their devices for educational purposes. They have access to so much information literally at their fingertips…that’s a good thing!
- just last week during a lecture, a student asked a question about an historical figure. Believe it or not, teachers do not know everything :), so I told the student to Google the person and report back to the class. I don’t have to stop class, and students get valuable information…PERFECT!
Will teachers catch every single infraction? No. Do we catch everything even if we don’t use electronic devices in our classroom? Nope!
Our students have access to wonderful technology in their pockets. Why not let them use it?
Thinking about a BYOD policy? Check out these resources!
Thanks for reading 🙂
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