BYOD Resources
If You Can't Beat 'Em, Join 'Em!
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)
BYOD is sometimes difficult and some teachers tend to shy away from letting them use their personal devices in the classroom. The fact is the students have them and they are going to use them, so why not harness that power for good instead of evil. Your students will be involved and engaged in learning because they are getting to do something they want to do anyways. Let's use these tools to our advantage! With the right management and direction, BYOD can be your best friend. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Expectations
Set expectations from Day 1. Just like rules in your classroom you will have rules for your technology. Post signs showing the students what is expected of them. Let them know coming into the classroom if it is going to be a day with technology or without. Practice technology procedures so that students know exactly what is needed from them and let them know what the consequences will be if they do not abide by the rules. Be consistent and Be involved!
Information/Rules
Students need to understand that it is a privilege to be able to bring and use their devices in your classroom for educational purposes. Make sure that parents and students know the rules for technology in your classroom. Post the BYOD policy to your class webpage. Monitor the usage of devices during activities. If the students know you are involved they are less likely to use them for their own personal agenda. Have your students create the rules for technology in the classroom.
Zones
Mark zones in your school/classroom where technology is not to be used at any times and when it is acceptable to use these devices. Post a sign on your door to let the students know if they will be using their devices in class today or not. Have the students put their phone on the corner of their desk face down until their are told to use them.
Click here for these signs for your classroom.
BYOD Classroom Management Video
Where Do I Start?
Kahoot/Quizizz
Kahoot is a quiz based game in which the students can use devices or computers to compete against each other on a variety of materials. Teachers can make their own Kahoots or they can use one of the thousands that other teachers have made. This is a fun and interactive way to review.
QR Codes
QR codes can be used for a numerous amount of educational activities: scavenger hunts, self checking worksheets, center games, etc.
Nearpod
Nearpod is a way to present instructional content in which the students will stay engaged. Teachers present the content and embed activities in between slides that could include polls, quizzes, slideshows, videos, links, draw activities, open ended questions and more.
Created by 2 Peas and a Dog
Discipline the Student NOT the Technology
BYOD is hard and it takes some time and effort on the part of the teachers, but it is worth it to have the students engaged and learning your content the way you always wanted. Things are going to happen. Students are going to text or take pictures in class. The important part is to discipline the student not the technology. Don't be afraid to use something because of a student who is not using it appropriately. Don't give up because it doesn't go right the first time, because it will go wrong (probably more than once). But if you want a sure fire way to get your students interested and involved then allow them to use the technology that they have to enrich and extend your classroom lessons.
Other BYOD Tools
Ask Your Technology Coach
If you are looking for some more ideas on using BYOD in the classroom please book me for a time or contact me and I will be more than happy to meet with you. I would love to do a model lesson or a joint lesson using BYOD to allow you to see how beneficial it will be to your classroom.
Email: tibbsc@rcschools.net
Website: http://tibbstechcoach.weebly.com/
Location: 500 Old Hwy 99, Eagleville, TN, United States
Phone: 615-904-6710
Twitter: @Tibbstechcoach