Technology Protocols and Classroom Management Tips: Part I

Establish classroom expectations for technology

The beginning of the school year is the perfect time for establishing classroom expectations for the use of technology. It is important that we clearly communicate our expectations and the reasons for them. After all, students can’t follow directions that they don’t know exist.

As Clay Cook shared during his workshop week presentation this fall, “All behavior is directly related to the environment in which it occurs.” The next few tech tips will provide ideas for setting up routines to promote a successful, tech-rich environment. Choose the ideas that will work best for your classroom.

Clearly communicate what technology is needed for the day.

Develop a consistent location to let students know what they will need for the day, station or activity. Here are a few ideas to consider.

• A location on your white board or front of room.
• A post on the screen in your classroom to start the day.
• A poster or sign at a station.
• A task card with materials already at the station.
• A course update in Schoology.
• On an embedded slideshow in Schoology.

Pro tip: put commonly used images in the margin and drop onto a slide as needed.

Clearly communicate how and when students may use their technology.

This clarity will help students be successful, and it can help to head off undesired behavior before it happens. Here are a couple of strategies to consider.

Stoplight
This can be signaled with a series of paper signs, colored cups or digitally with tools like the classroom screen website. Display a color to let students know your expectations. 

 

• Green light = You are required to use your technology.
• Yellow light = You may choose to use technology.
• Red light = You may not use technology at this time.

Screen angles

Request different screen placements to signal how technology may be used.

• Open = You may use your technology freely.
• Lids at 45 degrees = Look at me and listen. You’ll be going back to your screen soon.
• Closed lids = You won’t be using technology in the near future, but we may use it later today.
• Under desks = You will not be using technology for this activity. Don’t even let it distract you.

Develop Routines

Consistency is key. If you can develop clear, consistent procedures for use of technology, students will develop good habits. It is really no different than any other classroom behavior or expectation.

Open/45/Open strategy: Use this to regulate students’ attention.

• Open: Students actively navigate to the proper digital location with you.
• 45: Students put lids to 45 degrees while you demonstrate and give directions about what they will be doing.
• Open: Students open the lids again to complete the activity.

Ask three before me: This tried and true strategy can help students become more self-reliant and reduce the number of tech-related questions and interruptions.

Feel free to use any of these Digital Procedure Templates if they help you to get started. Modify them as desired.