Managing devices in the classroom

Many teachers are using technology (either school- or student-owned) more and more in the classroom. Here are some recommendations and best practices from teachers on how to manage the devices and the classroom.

Set explicit expectations and processes around using devices.

• Establish a social contract around device use. When is it OK and not OK during your class? Don't leave it to chance. 
• Clarify the vocabulary you use (e.g. "lids closed" vs. "log off" vs. "devices away") so students understand what is expected of them at different points during class. 

For school-owned devices and shared carts: 

• Create a sense of value. Make sure students understand why you are using them in the classroom, what is to be gained from the use and what will happen if they are misused.
• Create a process for getting and replacing Chromebooks (or other devices). Don't have all students get them at once or replace them at once.
• Make sure the same student uses the same device each time (assign a number) to maximize "ownership " and minimize confusion if any damage takes place
• Have one student (a TA or trusted student) manage unplugging and plugging in the Chromebooks and passing them out to the class 
• Model responsible use as a teacher! No food and drink near the devices, don't stack devices or slide them across surfaces, etc.

 Classroom management tips

• Move around the room consistently so you can see what students are working on and minimize off-task behavior
• Teach from the back of the classroom as much as possible
• Change desk layout when using devices for ease of motion and line of sight
• Allow a moment for off-task behavior before using a new tool, especially one involving class collaboration
• Make sure the activity is necessary and engaging! Boring tasks will lead to off-task behavior with or without technology
• Establish logical consequences for undesirable behaviors (loss  of device privileges, clean the devices, etc.) Students can lose privileges to their own devices if they are misusing them during class time. 
• Use Ctrl-Shift-T to re-open closed tabs if students are using inappropriate sites or quickly close tabs when you approach
• Communicate what can be done when the class activity is completed

• For laptops/Chromebooks:
  Lids closed (but not logged off) when not active (For most devices, a "sleep" mode can be quickly revived with a simple login.)
• For phones: face down when not in use (if out)
• Devices flat on desk at all times when in use (not in laps or hands)

Plan ahead for possible issues

•  Appoint tech monitors in class to assist with common issues (students having difficulty logging in, device usability, etc.).  Login issues are usually related to typos in username/password!
• Allow students to help each other
• Use tech-savvy students as support tools
• Always have a backup plan for non-charged devices, non-working websites, network issues, other ideas