Managing Classroom Technology

How to Manage Classroom Behavior while Using Technology within Your Lesson Plans

Dec 30, 2006

The writer shares tips on how to use technology without losing control of the class.

It is easy to get into a comfort zone—stick with the lessons that work with your class, and then repeat the format to ensure that the day goes smoothly. Often, teachers do not want to try something different, to take a risk, for fear of either losing control of the class or having the lesson completely bomb. Sometimes the activities that are planned do not go over well with the class, so teachers go back into the format that provides more of a structure. This structure can be opened up to let in different activities that will provide students with more enriching experiences. It is possible to plan activities that incorporate technology, without many of the drawbacks that a teacher might imagine:

1) Start small—plan one activity that is related to your objective (this is where having just one computer does come in handy—less to go wrong!) The activity does not need to be long, but it should be interesting to the students. Ideally, it is one you can use over a few days, related to an instructional unit, rather than one lesson.

2) The activity should be one that you are familiar with, or have practiced to its conclusion. For example, if the activity involves a lot of links within the activity, make sure the links are not old and broken. The student should be able to work independently, so that you are not called away from the rest of the class.

3) Have one student, a high-achieving, cooperative one be the first to try the activity,so there will be less likelihood of the student playing around and s/he will probably stay on task.

5) If age-appropriate, have the student fill out a survey to determine if the activity was enjoyable and educational. Your students like to voice their opinions and will be flattered you asked.

6) If this works out well, expand a bit. For example, rotate students throughout the next few days so that everyone has a chance. Maybe there is a computer lab or laptops you can sign out so that the whole class can work on this activity together.

1) Do not use the technology activity to reward or punish; everyone should get a chance, since this is part of the students’ education. If you want to use computers as a reward, use a set amount of free time, within reason (I usually discuss with the class the issues of trust and what is appropriate—no graphic language, no pornographic sites, no chat rooms, no filling out any forms. Or, you can have a list of appropriate sites, but that usually ends up being a punishment—they do not like what I do!).

2) If possible, have the computers in a spot where you can see what the students are doing—not only will you be able to keep them off of undesirable sites, but you can determine if they are stuck and give a little assistance.

I hope you can share some of your tips regarding classroom management and technology in the discussion about this topic.

The copyright of the article Managing Classroom Technology in Teaching & Technology is owned by Beth Lynne. Permission to republish Managing Classroom Technology in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.