The Classroom Hub is Changing

          As students change, schools change and technology advances finding its way into the classroom, the central hub of the classroom is evolving. I remember my teacher sitting at her desk while we stood in line waiting to talk to her. Truth be told, I often got in trouble for sitting at my desk and not asking for help. Why did I stay at my desk? Because I could work at my desk! I could not work while standing in line! While I held no expertise or influence on the set up of the classroom, I always wanted that routine to be gone! Why couldn't my teacher come to me? Maybe I was a devious or challenging child? Maybe I had no clue? Regardless, there was a perfect opportunity for potential and successful change!

          Classroom Management is a common complain for teachers right now. I have had teachers from everywhere ask me, "how can I get students to pay attention and stay on task with their iPads?" That is an incredible challenge! Through observation and discussion, I have found that there are several solutions that need to be applied in tandem.

1. The teacher desk should NEVER be the central hub of the classroom. Grand Central Station is not a feasible solution anymore. Teachers, while it is challenging and tiring, should be walking about and teaching from various points in the classroom. Apple TVs, Projectors, Mobis and other devices now make this possible. I am not suggesting that the teacher rid of the desk nor has anyone else. (I won't lie and deny that I considered removing my desk a few times!)

2. Procedures and Consequences! Many teachers state that once students realize that the procedures and consequences apply with and without technology the chaos subsides.

3. Most importantly, talk WITH students about their behaviors rather than talk AT them. Students needs to be a part of the learning process, the solution and the growth.

         
          Hands down - the classroom has changing and will continue to change. Teachers have huge hurdles to jump and challenges to overcome. A wise teacher told me, "Teachers at any age and level of experience need to decide if they are going to swim with the tide or be drowned by it!"

New Technology in the Neighborhood?

School is about to start and parents are going to register for books and classes. As a parent begins to pay book fees they notice something new.. iPad fee! Most parents would stop and ask questions immediately. This can lead to frustration, delay of payment and unrest in the corporation. How can a corporation prevent such an occurrence?

Initially, parents and community members along with teachers and school board members should be involved in the decision making process. A Tech Device committee ought to be in place prior to purchasing any devices. This committee should then initiate a pilot experiment with a class. This class can then present projects and findings. Already the community is involved in the process and thus will have ownership.

As a decision is made, the committee should then offer informative sessions along with training/demonstration sessions for all parents, students and community members.  A minimum of 5-6 sessions should be offered at different times throughout the day. At this point, no one is in the dark unless they choose to be.

An eLearning, edTech or Technology Integration specialist should also be brought on board to offer summer training for the teachers who will be expected to integrate the new devices. The more comfortable the teachers become, the more likely the devices will be used properly. Comfort and easy of use is a huge component for success!! Teacher buy in is critical and necessary!

Constant training for teachers is a must! A monthly newsletter, authored by the Tech Integration individual, for parents concerning digital citizenship and project happenings will keep everyone informed. Getting students presenting at school board meetings is also essential!

The biggest struggle but the most important part is - keep everyone informed!