Rules for Students When it Comes to Devices.
We have to remember that while technology provides us with new and wonderful ways to educate our students, it is a very expensive tool in a workforce area that does not have a lot of funding. It can also be a tricky tool to manage, as students can use it to do many things that are not considered school appropriate if not attended to properly. With these things in mind, we have a few rule suggestions for you to use in your classroom to curtail any accidents as much as possible.
All Devices
Two Hands, Like Rubber Bands!
Students should always carry devices with two hands when moving them from place to place. That way if they are bumped in the chaos they still have a grip.
Walk, From Desk To Dock!
It is important to walk when carrying the tablet so that students don't collide into each other. Slow and steady wins the race!
A Stable iPad, Makes A Teacher Glad
When using the iPad/Tablet, students should put it on a stable place like a table or desk, not their lap. That way when they type it doesn't fall over.
Close The Device, Or Your Understanding Pays The Price
Students (and adults) will always be tempted to fiddle with their device and apps while you are teaching. Be sure to have them close them, put them to sleep, or set them aside so you have their undivided attention.
Be The One To Share, Lead Your Group To Be Fair
Everyone loves to be the one using the devices or tools, and it is important for students to remember to take turns. Sharing jobs by typing every other paragraph or taking turns with the camera helps everyone be more engaged with the task at hand.
iPads and Tablets
Keep That Screen Clean!
Only two things should touch the tablet screen when students are using it: their hands or styluses. It is important to keep coloring tools away from the screen, as well as hard objects that might scratch it.
Be Sure it's Planned, How it Stands
Students often want to stand their ipad or tablet up as vertically as possible so that it resembles a TV. The problem with this is that when they go to type on the screen they often knock it right over. Therefore, if they don't have an external keyboard it is recommended that they put their iPad in a more horizontal position.
Cameras Are Good, But Do What You Should
Everyone loves to take pictures, particularly of them self (classroom selfie!!), but instruction time is generally not a good time for this. By keeping the camera off during the directions students can better focus on the cool things they will go on to do with the camera for the project.
Chromebooks and Laptops
Buttons are Pressed, Or else Letters Must Be Guessed
Sometimes our students are tempted to pick at things and the buttons on the keyboard are quite tempting. However, if they pop off the keys it will be hard to know what they are typing!
Keep that screen clean!
Students (and adults) have a tendency to want to touch the screens when using laptops and Chromebooks. The problem is that this leaves grease that can smudge the screen making it hard to read. Then students might be tempted to rub it off with a sleeve, and applying too much pressure can damage the screen itself or crack it. A good rule of thumb is to keep hands on the keyboard, and have a job that is carefully supervised where students wipe screens with specific wipes.
Gentle with the Lid, You'll be Glad You Did!
It is important when using Chromebooks and laptops that students are careful when opening the lid to their device. The hinges on these computers will wear out over time and use, they don't need any extra help!
Peripheral Devices (Spheros, Drones, Microphones, etc.)
Check They Are Linked, Or Your Plan Becomes Extinct
In order to use the peripherals they will need to be connected with your main device, either through a cable or wirelessly through something such as bluetooth. Before trying to do anything students should also check that everything is connected so that they will have a smooth start.
Watch What's Around, Or Your Device May Be Downed
Some Peripherals use a lot of space, such as drones or sphero balls. It is important for students to know the limits of their space so that their device doesn't accidentally get stepped on and broken, and to be sure that they don't hurt anyone else.
The World is All Around, But Don't Walk Or You'll Be On The Ground
One of the best ways to help students learn about new places is to use a VR tool such as Google Cardboard. However, when students are wearing these they can sometimes try to get up and "walk" to the places they are seeing. That would result in some bad falls since they can't see where their actual body is going.
Internet Rules
Remember What You Do, Can Be Traced Back To You
Students might think that no one can tell what they are doing on the internet and will from time to time google a Pokemon or watch a Minecraft video when they think no one is watching. They might also feel that they can say negative things without consequences. Both of these are false notions, as it is very easy to trace back account activity and history on a device. The more they are aware of this, the less likely they are to make poor choices.
The Internet Is Full Of Strangers, And They Still Present Dangers
The internet world is very much like the real one. Some places are good, some are bad; some people are good, some are bad. It is important for students to remember that they don't know anything about the other people on the internet or their motives. So practicing Stranger Danger Rules applies here too.
When In Doubt, Search "for kids" And You Will Get Safer Internet Bids
Since there are many sites on the internet that are students are not ready to see yet due to their complicated nature or inappropriate content, there is a handy trick students can use when researching for class. If they add "for kids" at the end of their search phrase they will often have better chances of finding an appropriate website with great information that they can use.
Social Norms
Always Log Out, And Double Check When In Doubt!
Nowadays many apps and websites will give your students an account, such as google drive or iXL. It is important for students to always remember to log out so that others cannot access their information.
A Respectful Post Will Mean The Most!
Writing to others through the internet or devices can seem anonymous, but it really isn't. You are still communicating with real people, and should always try to treat them the way you would like to be treated: respectfully and politely.