Back to School K-2nd Grades
2018-2019
Gearing up!
Classrooms are ready, first week lessons are in the plan books and the energy is high.
As you're planning to get back into the swing of things consider how you might start the year off right with our iPads.
Set up a Troubleshooting Area
Don't assume your new students know a lot about technology. Many of our students are adept at troubleshooting and at navigating their devices and apps, but for some students (and adults) it just doesn't come naturally.
Empower students to find answers they need. Model for them how to troubleshoot and encourage them to "Ask 3 then Me" to encourage more independence and ownership.
Your Troubleshooting Area might be a binder with known issues and fixes or a bulletin board. Consider starting with the troubleshooting guide and adding to it as needed.
Start with Digital Citizenship
In one of your first day conversations, it will do a world of good to have a class discussion about the expectations for use of devices. Focus on how students can take care of themselves, take care of each other and take care of their "stuff" including iPads, cases and headphones.
Designate a "safe spot" in the classroom for students to put their iPads when not in use, but have them close enough that the kids can grab them if they need to record something or look something up
Designate tech free zones and/or times to help model healthy behaviors.
Grab your own copy of the editable "In our class" poster and customize with agreed upon class rules. Assign this resource to students in Schoology or airdrop them the image and let them fill in their own ideas using an app of their choice or markup tools.
The resource is explained in the Schoology lesson section below.
Discuss and Share: Digital Citizenship Video
Ignite - Play - Share : To Learn New Things
Ignite - Play - Share (Or Engage, Explore, Explain) is an excellent model for introducing tools to students at the beginning of the year.
Remember, we can't assume our students know how to use something. In the beginning of the year, especially, as you introduce a new tool, plan time some Explore or Play time for students to learn.
Ignite (Engage) - show students a cool project or a quick how to video for a tool
Play (Explore) - give students 10 minutes to explore the app and learn something to share out
Share (Explain) - Take 10 minutes as a whole class for students to share something they discovered.
Giving students permission to explore then lead from where they are will help to empower them as Curious Critical Thinkers and Creative Problem Solvers.
FTIS Elementary EdTech
Email: heidi.neltner@fortthomas.kyschools.us
Website: http://ftisedtech.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @heidinelt