5 classroom management tips for BYOD

Chatting with friends, playing games, cheating, cruising YouTube. These are just some of the behaviors educators fear will become a reality when students bring their own devices...unless they incorporate updated classroom management practices. The below techniques will keep students’ attention despite the irresistible draw of the Internet. Simple practices transform their devices into tools of engagement rather than distraction.

The Simpson's Ms Krabappel could have used these tips 

Here are five management tips that make for a successful technology-rich classroom.

1) Let students know what happens when technology is not in use

Teachers should have a procedure for technology when not in use. This should require just a few words and be very clear. For example if using laptops it may be saying something like, screens down meaning devices should be placed face down on desks.  

2) Provide time for distraction

Just like adults, students want some time during a day or period where they can take a mental break. Let them! Tell students when they can have a few minutes during a lesson to do what they want. That may be socializing, checking in with parent or friend, using the restroom, playing a game, having a snack, or continuing on with their work.

Ideas for Managing the BYOD Classroom

If you are empowering students with the freedom to learn with their own devices, you must have classroom management procedures in place. The nice thing, however, about student devices is that you don’t have to worry about distribution, collection, storage, and imaging of devices. Your students do!

Below is a possible classroom management protocol. You’ll want to modify this to your particular classroom needs and discuss with students prior to introducing cell phones into the classroom.

• Upon entry and departure of school please ensure cell phones are set to silent.  
• Use phones at times your teachers designate.
• When phones are not in use place them face down on the upper right side of your desk.
• If you notice someone in the class using their cell phone inappropriately, remind them to use proper cell phone etiquette.
• If at any time your teacher feels you are not using your cell phone responsibly you will be asked to place your phone in the bin in the front of the room with a post-it indicating your name homeroom class.
• After the first infraction each month you can collect your phone at the end of class.
• After the second infraction you can collect your phone at the end of the day.
• After the third infraction your parent or guardian will be asked to retrieve your phone. If you use the phone inappropriately again during the month your parent or guardian will be required to retrieve your phone.
• At the beginning of each month, you have a clean slate.

Be open to modifications or suggestions your students may have. They may have some good ideas. Note however, that this should be determined and posted in advance of using student owned devices in the classroom. Additionally, if you work with your students to develop this policy, you may find that they build a strong, comprehensive plan for which they will take ownership and be more likely to follow.

Starting a Student Support Team in Your School

If we want students to succeed in a global economy, we need to provide them with access to technology in the schools. This may be via BYOD or school purchases. Either way as more and more schools are able to purchase devices, they are now struggling with models to put in place to support the hundreds of devices being used by students and staff.

A well thought-out model for instructional and hardware support is necessary for success. This includes the development of Student Support Teams to create and maintain a successful 21^st Century environment. These support teams are made up of students who will provide instructional and hardware support around 21^stCentury tools, skills, and hardware. They are great for students because they help them to begin developing a passion and expertise in using and teaching technology skills which they can carry with them for the rest of their lives. They are great for schools, because it allows them to utilize their best resource to support instruction…their students.

While schools realize the importance of the development of such teams, they often struggle with where to begin in launching such a team. Some technology-rich schools are creating Student Support Teams called iSquads designed to improve a school's capacity to integrate technology into teaching and learning. 

Here are some ideas to get started.