BRING YOUR OWN TECHNOLOGY
Classroom Management1. Planning: Beginning planning lessons that incorporate devices. Having a specific outcome in mind will set the lesson up for success. However, remember that technology doesn't always cooperate. Mentally plan a way to way to complete your lesson device-free.
2. Expectations: Set your expectations with students and parents. Prepare your students to use the devices appropriately with digital citizenship lessons. Design rules for care and use to meet the needs of your students and classroom. 3. Communication: Communicate with your students when it's appropriate to use devices and when it is not. Communicate this same information to parents for support from home. 4. Stay Present: Students are kids and they're going to test their limits. Stay present in the class and manage them and the devices the way you would without them in the room. |
Articles, Links, ResourcesKey Points for BYOT~ It personalizes learning for each and every student.
~ It's cost effective. ~ Embracing these tools makes education more interactive. ~ Portable devices make learning a part of students' lives. ~ Engaged learners are better learners. |
Common Questions & Concerns
What is the point?
While it may be easy to assume that BYOT is just another toy and more screen time, that really isn't the case. The idea of BYOT is to allow teachers and opportunity to personalize each student's learning. Devices increase the opportunity for instruction to be differentiated, providing each child what he/she needs to be successful. How will it improve learning?
Of course if devices are being used in the classroom, the natural hope is that learning will be better. With the personalization, the robust access, and transformative instruction, learning is a natural by-product. Have a question about BYOT? |
How will this change the classroom?
Devices in the classroom will allow students more access to outside resources. There is an amazing world of resources at our fingertips when we use technology. The goal is to use the technology to transform instruction and learning. Devices will not be used as a substitution for something that is already being done. What about kids that can't bring their own?At no point will any student be affected if he/she cannot bring a device. Devices are expensive and, in most cases, they cannot be easily replaced. It is understood that you may be hesitant to send something so valuable with your child. When students do bring devices though, it allows students without one to more readily access the school and teacher-provided desktops, laptops, and iPads. And while some might feel pressure because other students have their own devices and some do not, it provides a teachable moment which can be transferred to other situations in life. Learning isn't limited to students who bring their own!
Does it matter what type of device my child brings?
Yes and no. Apple, Android, Kindle, etc. - any platform is acceptable. The most commonly used apps tend to be available on all popular devices. However, screen size is an important consideration. An iPad mini or similar screen size is probably as small as you want to go for the device to remain useful during instruction. Keyboards are encouraged, but certainly not required. In addition, no devices that have an active cellular data plan are allowed. |