Classroom Management In A 1:1 Learning Environment

Yesterday, a frustrated teacher pulled me out of a meeting requesting assistance. She explained there were several students in her classroom playing games on their iPads. Her frustration and sense of helplessness was evident in the tone of her voice, and the look on her face. By the time our short conversation concluded, it became apparent that she was blaming the technology for the lack of control in her classroom. As a high school technology coordinator, this is a message I hear frequently.

When things don't go well, technology provides an easy target. All of us have encountered frustrating instances when technology fails us, and while it's true there are times when technology interferes, or distracts students from learning, often teachers will mistakenly blame technology for classroom management issues.

Here are some suggestions to better manage your 1:1 classroom.

Instructional Design

Classroom management should focus on the students. What worked previously in managing the students will continue to work, even in the technology supported environment.
Anticipate the worst, hope for the best. Have a plan to deal with off-task, or disruptive behavior.
Be attentive to instructional design. Create and use lesson plans that emphasize student learning
Challenge the students to be continually active and engaged. Leave no time for off-task behavior or boredom
Differentiate and personalize student work. Accommodate ability levels, learning styles, and learning challenges with a variety of learning, and assessment options.
Empower students by helping to make their learning personal and meaningful. Inquiry-based, connectivist, constructivist lessons will create opportunities for students to take responsibility for their learning. (self-regulated learners)

Student Management Strategies

Facilitate learning and promote attentiveness through proximity. Move around the learning area and use distance to influence behavior.
Set expectations for hands-on, hands off time for learning tools. If the teacher closes the iPad, only the teacher may reopen it. The technology tool time out.
Take time to practice putting the iPads into sleep mode. This instant on, instant off capability comes in handy when requesting undivided attention from students.
Foster a learning community that thrives on collaborative work. Create back channels for students to stay engaged during classroom discussions (Today's Meet, or Twitter chat)
Use timers to help students stay focused and on task. Time limitations and expectations help keep students on a challenging, but productive pace.
Clearly share expectations and guidelines with students. Empower students to help create and communicate behavioral expectations. Model digital responsibility, social media etiquette, and digital learning for your students.
Use the room layout to influence learning experiences, and promote periods of cooperation (pods) vs. periods of independent work or assessment (rows).
Take time to practice using the iPads for specified purposes. Establish procedures to deal with technical issues when they occur. Identify student tech leaders who can assist you and other students with technology use.
Identify tell-tale signs when students are off task. These may include; screen-fixated eyes, typing off normal pace, color reflections that don't match the rest of the class, reactions or emotions that don't match the activity.

Other Considerations

Technology won't fix pre-existing student management issues
Boring lessons are still boring with technology
More technology doesn't necessarily mean more, or better learning
What are your consequences for misbehavior? Is there complete classroom awareness?
Just as with learning targets, establish clear behavioral expectations and practice them often.
Keep learning at the forefront. A classroom of compliant students doesn't necessarily mean the students are learning.

What strategies do you use for effectively managing a 1:1 learning environment?

References & Resources

Effective Classroom Management, Ronald Morrish

Classroom Management Tips, Edutopia

Classroom Management: The Intervention 2-Step, Edutopia

Five Strategies for 1:1 Classroom Management, +Rich Kiker

photo credit: crackdog via photopin cc

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Anonymous said…

Great entry! I totally agree. It's not the technology that causes the behavioral issues - it's the classroom management. In fact, technology is a good tool that can enhance student engagement provided that the technology is tied to a lesson that is meaningful.

February 9, 2013 at 3:29 PM

Robert T. Schuetz said…

Thank you Mr. M. - Not only for being the first to comment on my blog, but for making a great point. I agree, technology, when properly used, can also be an effective classroom management tool. At some point, the distinction between instruction and technology will disappear as connected devices become as common as #2 pencils.

February 10, 2013 at 9:12 AM

MissElaineKao said…

Thanks for sharing! As a pre-service teacher, classroom management is one of my biggest worries before heading into the field! I shared your entry on my teaching blog here: http://dreamsandinspirations.weebly.com/teaching-blog.html

Thanks again! :)

October 1, 2013 at 9:07 PM

Thank you Elaine. Classroom management is a concern for veteran teachers too. However, I find that those teachers that engage their students in meaningful learning activities deal with fewer incidents of off-task behavior. Best wishes as you embark on your teaching career. Never stop learning!

October 1, 2013 at 9:50 PM

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