1:1 Classroom Management

Our May 1:1 Staff Meeting focused on classroom management. The Prezi I used is embedded below, but here is a summary of things to consider in preparation for next year:

• A 1:1 classroom that truly integrates technology will change over time.  Instead of remaining a traditional, teacher-centered environment, the classroom will become more student-centered; instead of being assignment-based, the classroom will become more project based -- with more choices to show what has been learned and more choices for differentiation.  And all that's great -- but this shift can only happen if the teacher learns to let go, at least a bit. 
• Remember that students are used to education being something that happens TO them, not something that they have to make happen, at least partially, on their own.  This means students will sometimes push back. Think about it:  the world of 1:1 learning is new to them too; it's a big shift and they have not been handed an instruction book. 
• This is why it's important to give lots of consideration to expectations.  Teachers do this all the time anyway, but with 1:1 there are a few more things to consider when it comes to routine and protocol, so it is important to set expectations early and really condition the students to meet them.  For instance, in Block 1, students will be asked to log in upon entering every day and begin a start-of-class activity.  But in Block 2, the teacher wants to begin each day with a group discussion, lecture, or activity -- the computer might not be used at all on some days.  Unless you set the routine, it's hard to blame students for walking into Block 2 and logging right in.  
• And what about headphones?  All the students will have them, and it's been my experience that they will always have at least one ear "plugged in" at all times unless you say otherwise. And if students log in at the start of class routinely, they WILL be listening to music whether you want them to or not and usually have it as loud as possible so their peers think they're cool. This makes getting and keeping their attention more difficult than ever; also, many students find it easy to keep at least one ear secretly "plugged in" while the teacher is giving instruction -- without without the teacher even noticing it.  Do you want this? So what is your expectation regarding headphones? Headphone use is just one of the expectations that must be considered.
• The computer must be a tool in your classroom, not the be-all and end-all.  You are still the teacher and you must control computer use.  In that vein, consider what will work best for you in terms of preventing off-task behavior:  Manage By Walking Around (MBWA) or Read All The Screens (RATS), and then arrange your classroom accordingly.  Also, if possible, keep your room set up a fluid one that can adapt to classroom purpose.
• Finally, keep in mind that students may struggle with taking more control over their learning, and teachers may struggle with letting go and accepting change. STRUGGLE, however, DOES NOT HAVE TO BE A BAD WORD: let struggle be part of your and your students's growth as you start the 1:1 journey together.