Blog Following - 9 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN USING DEVICES IN THE CLASSROOM

This week, my blogger hasn't posted anything new so I decided to go back and check out some of her old stuff. I think this blog is a great one for anyone thinking about or currently using technology in the classroom! In this blog, Erin talks about 9 things you should consider if you have students using technology in your classroom. Whether you're 1:1 or only have a few devices, her tips are really useful! 

Here are some things she suggests...

#1 How will you store your devices? 

In my own classroom, I have an iPad cart, but that has not always been the case. It was frustrating having iPads connected to random outlets around the room! Having a designated area helps with routines and procedures as well. 

#2 How to keep devices clean?

This has definitely been a concern for me because, let's face it, 2nd graders pick their noses and cough and sneeze all over everything!

                                                                      

She suggests using microfiber wipes. You can find the link here for the ones she suggests from Amazon. Anything to get those germs off! 

#3 What will the device charging procedures be?

Having a plan in place for this keeps from the "what do we do now?" question when iPads die in the middle of a lesson or activity! My own students are responsible for charging their own iPads at the end of each day. 

#4 What kinds of cases work best for students?

This is a problem we have run into at my own school. The first cases we bought had the camera hole in the wrong place and the cases we have now make it really hard for the kids to press the power and volume buttons. You want to make sure you get something that can take the heat though. Kids can be tough on devices! 

#5 How will you assign devices to students? 

This one is easy for those of you who are 1:1. A little tougher for those who have to share. For my own students, they have a schedule of when they can use devices and which devices are available to them. This helps a lot with logging in to Google because our kids have the longest logins known to man! Here is an easy way Erin suggests to number devices using backgrounds. I have done this on my own iPads and found it very helpful!  

#6 What accessories will you need when using devices in the classroom?

Here is another blog of Erin's where she talks about her "must-haves" for device accessories. Keep in mind that you need to have a plan for organization! 

#7 How will you keep track of student login info?

For my students, I created and laminated individual cards with their login info so that they always have it on hand. These login cards are kept on a ring and on my desk. Students know that they are allowed to go grab their card whenever they need it. 

#8 How will you teach troubleshooting procedures?

This is one I am not great at. I tend to teach these procedures as they come up. Erin has an amazing set of troubleshooting posters available on TPT. This allows students to problem solve without having to interrupt the teacher. I also have a few students in my classroom who are our technology "experts". Students know that they can go to those kids if they have an issue as well. However, I may have to get these for my class! 

#9 What kind of access procedures will you put into place for students to access devices?

In my own class, we have an "iPad manager" job. It is that student's job to lock and unlock the iPad cart, make sure other classrooms get and return their designated iPads and double check that all iPads are plugged in to charge at the end of each day. 

So many great suggestions...check out Erin's blog for even more great ideas!