-Who pays for the Apps? Do I use them for the whole class or in small groups? Should the students share headphones? Where do I find the best inexpensive Apps? What if students try to get on something they shouldn't be on? How do I hold students accountable? Where in the WORLD did all that ear wax come from? ...and many more!
My suggestion is to start off small. Before using the device in your classroom, YOU need to use it first. Download some free Apps, and begin your search for the Apps you want in your lessons. Make sure you experience the App first!! Many Apps seem educational, but really end up being simple, non-instructional games.
Next, set some ground rules. Make sure your students understand that using the device is a privilege not a guarantee. Set your expectations high, and set clear consequences for misuse. Try to think about the most effective way for students to understand digital citizenship...see my next post to hear more about this.
Think of how you want to assess students! Holding them accountable keeps them focused, and less likely to stray from your instructions. Think...reflections, rubrics, short formative assessments, partner-share, etc.
If you are apprehensive about using the devices in your classroom, start off with a small group of students. For example, high school students can watch History Channel depictions of an event they are learning about in their history class, or elementary students can play Madlibs to learn parts of speech. You will probably find that your students either already know how to use the device, and are a few steps ahead of you :)
Nice work. Very practical information for teachers with a little bit of fear.
ReplyDeleteCindy Johann