BYOD and Classroom Management

Resorting to the BYOD  is not something that a teacher can just wake up and decide upon alone. There is need to convince the administrators of the advantages of such a venture. All the stake holders need to be brought on board. You have to know the number of students that own their own devices and how many parents are ready to support the idea of buying their children the devices. The school also has to agree to this set up and develop a policy for using these devices.

The BYOD method is one that allows the learners to carry their mobile technology devices to school to help enhance learning. Some of the mobile devices that the learners can bring or easily carry to school include; Smart phones, iPads, Tablets and laptops.  Whether the learners use Cell phones, or specific device that the teacher decides to use (learning standardized devices), or bring any technology device they have, they will still achieve the same end in terms of learning, engagement and achievement. Using these mobile devices in Classroom has its advantages and disadvantages and the teacher may find it difficult to control a funny class that is using cell phones. However, there are steps that could be followed to help the teacher manage the classroom and avoid distractions.

With my S.5 literature class, I asked them to form WhatsApp groups which they did, and these were monitored by the teachers on school practice even though I set up the practice. I would give them tasks to do during the holidays and they would share information and discuss ideas without having to move from home.  Unfortunately, when the teachers left, I took long to assume the responsibility and the learners got distracted and started using the groups for their personal issues to the point of bullying each other. But now I know better. 
·         Establish ground rules that the learners have to adhere to and also lay out consequences for violation of established policies.
·         Allow them to get past the initial excitement so that they can be more focused when they delve into their work.
·         The task you give them should be engaging and require students to stay on task at a solid pace in order to complete them. Ensure assignments require students to stay engaged. For instance; set firm due dates for assignments, scale assignment for students who finish faster. Students need to be challenged in order to find their assignments meaningful and engaging.
·         You should be able to get the learners to know that there are specific times when they will be using the technology and when they will need to keep them away. It is not that they will be using them always.
·         As a teacher, you should be prepared to move constantly, look at the work they are doing, discuss and engage the learners about their progress.

 

 

 

Innovative Learning Spaces: Virtual and Physical Spaces.

In this lesson we have had to share our views about technology and its ability to offer virtual learning space, and the construction of physical space. There has been good exchange of ideas and debate on issues that has helped open my eyes to a number of things regarding technology, virtual learning spaces and physical learning spaces.
I have noted that with technology, the virtual and physical learning places go hand in hand. I have realized that there is no need to wait or defer the establishing of e-learning in a school just because the school has few or one technology devices. This should not be an issue to capitalize on but with a lot of innovation, the teaching and learning method can still be altered to meet the 21st century requirements. In order to succeed in this venture, we should dream big despite the small means we have. We should also try to get technology to many to enhance learning, sharing and change. If it means bending the rules, to change the thinking then so be it. Try to use blended learning and technology to transform the classroom.
I can break the walls of the classroom without having to incur great expense by
·         Redesigning classroom arrangement.
·         Introducing technology in classroom.
·         encouraging learners to join  social networks/ communities.
·         Using innovative learning spaces ie corridors, verandahs, main halls, libraries, courtyards, playgrounds, classroom walls etc.
·         Promoting exploration, research and collaboration among learners within the classroom and across the world.
·         Swapping roles with learners.
·         Using simulations.
·         Encouraging field trips.
·         Creating an assignments site online for the learners assignments.
All in all, this has been a mind-opening lesson. I have learnt and enjoyed making a podcast.

 

  

Old Days - New Ways

In this lesson I have learnt a number of new things some of which include; how to operate and adopt the emerging trends, how to utilize the low density labs, and how to handle one-device classrooms. Even then, I still need to master the details before I can say I am comfortable with all this.  Being able to adjust to the New ways goes back to how prepared the teacher is, how the teacher manages the classroom, the ability to keep the learners focused on the important aspects of the tasks, and being able to achieve the objectives of the curriculum.

As far as learning spaces are concerned, my earlier views were that learners had to study in well organized classrooms with all desks facing the front, and the teacher at the front and the center of the learning process, there had to be a blackboard / whiteboard at the front and this was to be used by the teacher for instruction purposes. Right now to me, learning spaces embraces arrangements that oppose the traditional arrangements of a traditional classroom. Ways in which the classroom can be rearranged to create a comfortable learning environment for the learners without them feeling suffocated by the four walls.  Arrangements that allow for the learners sharing of information without the teacher being the center of all knowledge.

In the literature lessons it is easy to get the learners into groups and assigning them tasks that would require them to sit in comfortable formations so as to be able to share information. I am doing this with a number of my classes. Some of them like the Senior Five class, I take them to the computer lab where they sit in pairs or in threesome to research and share their findings about a particular task. The intensity with which they research, share knowledge and accomplish tasks has propelled me to allocate one of my weekly lessons to engaging them in such an exercise. And to tell the truth, I see the difference. There are positive results. As far as the other methods and technology is concerned, I still have a  long way to go since the focus is not on technology but on curriculum outcome. And also the unavailability of a technology rich environment.