Why Classroom Technology Rules?
Classroom management is very important for teachers because classroom rules and expectations improve learning. When the students understand clear-cut rules they will abide in them. Part of classroom management is establishing rules for technology usage. SInce students will be handling expensive devices such as computers and Chromebooks, taking care of the devices is very important. Also, rules on how to use the devices and what they can be used for must be established for the safety of the students and teachers. The use of cellphones varies from school to school and classroom to classroom; however, rules must be given to the students. Using technology correctly will enhance students' learning and achievement. Technology rules will make the classroom efficient.
10 Classroom Rules for Using Technology by Jessics Sanders
1. Only visit approved Internet sites.
Keep posters near classroom computers or tablets to remind students what they can and can’t do when browsing.
2. Never give out your personal information.
Students may not understand the importance of keeping their information private. Make this rule very clear to avoid issues with parents, while keeping your students safe.
3. Tell your teacher if you see something uncomfortable or inappropriate.
Cyber bullying or inappropriate graphics may confuse a student. Remind them that you are there if they feel uncomfortable, and that you should be the first person they turn to in this situation—rather than a fellow student.
4. Never download anything without teacher permission.
Whether it’s an app or a file, downloading something with a virus could put your equipment and networks at risk.
5. Leave your workspace as you found it.
This is likely already a classroom rule, and is even more important as students shuffle between activity stations with computers and tablets.
6. Print only if you have permission.
Students may see an image they love, get excited, and want to print it. You may not have a printer in your classroom, but if you do, this rule is a must.
7. Never change settings without permission.
This is especially important for safety settings that block certain websites and control anti-virus protection.
8. Place devices on chargers when not in use.
Remind your students: if you want to use the tablets tomorrow, they need to be charged. This is a must-have rule.
9. Touch the mouse and keyboard gently.
Kids may not yet know how to handle expensive technology. Remind them that slamming the keyboard and mouse or touching the screen are not acceptable uses of these tools, and will result in the loss of their technology privileges.
10. Do not eat or drink near devices.
This is another rule that may not come naturally to your students. Remind them that spilling a drink on their keyboard could break it, and therefore they will no longer be able to use it.
My Classroom
According to the Student Handbook of our school cell phones are not to be used by students during the school day. Cell phones my be used before school, during lunch, after school, and during break. Cell phones are placed in a designated area when entering a classroom. Cell phones should not be used or visible during classes, in the halls, or any other times during the school day without permission of a faculty or staff member.
Resources:
We Are Teachers: Classroom Tech Rules Posters
https://www.weareteachers.com/printable-posters-classroom-technology-rules-and-etiquette/
Check-out this YouTube video on Classroom Technology Rukes by Katie Molyneux
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyvBae5OSYo
References:
Catapano, Jordan. Classroom Management: Develop Clear Rules, Expectations. TeachHub.com. https://www.teachhub.com/classroom-management-developing-clear-rules-expectations
Classroom Tech Rules Posters. We Are Teachers. https://www.weareteachers.com/printable-posters-classroom-technology-rules-and-etiquette/
Electronic Communication Devices. Slocomb High School Student Handbook 2018-2019, 4.
Molyneux, Katie. Classroom Technology Rules. YouTube. YouTube, 28 November 2017, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyvBae5OSYo
Sanders, Jessica. 10 Classroom Rules for Using Technology. Whooo's Reading The Blog. Retrieved from:http://blog.whooosreading.org/10-classroom-rules-for-using-technology/
10 Technology Rules for Every Classroom Rules Image retrieved from https://www.bing.com/images/search and http://blog.whooosreading.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Image-1-1024x768.jpg