Creating the conditions for student success: Part 3

Part 3: Supporting classroom management with technology

In honor of this week's ISTE conference — a premiere education technology conference in San Antonio, TX— I want to discuss how schools, educators and IT can provide students with the best conditions for success.

Education, in its rawest form, includes key components, that when supporting each other, create success. Teacher commitment, strong organization and the ability to foster individualized learning are all elements essential to providing students an environment to learn and grow. Adding technology to the equation, if done correctly, elevates this experience by providing more opportunities for both teachers and students.

With the addition of technology to the learning environment comes the importance of classroom management considerations. While designed to provide more resources to the teacher and support their shift in practice, the initial implementation of technology tools may seem complex. Classroom device management (CDM) may help. That’s why considering its intended purpose is of great importance. If chosen correctly, CDM tools can promote improvements to teaching practice for those committed to lifelong learning. Teachers can use the tools to facilitate the flow of activities, foster collaborative groups, create dynamic communications and facilitate student-centered learning.

Creating individualized learning opportunities for students often means focusing on the students’ interests. With CDM, teachers have the ability to provide students with the customized resources that best meet their needs, all while setting the appropriate amount of access to other functionalities within their technology. By invoking a minimal level of restrictions, students can still participate in learning activities and continue to be successful in the classroom.

A main benefit of many CDM tools is the ability for teachers to scan their students’ screens. Rather than being used as an on-task monitor, this allows educators to maintain real-time updates on all students, seeing who understands the current topic and who is falling behind. And when it’s time to switch gears, the teacher can quickly transition all of the devices to another tool – a way to initiate student responses and redirections. Additionally, using a pause option within a CDM can limit interruptions. Reducing the time-consuming techniques of clapping, flicking lights or using proximity can reduce chaos and provide students more time to learn.

Rather than looking at CDM as something that invokes the notion of control, it’s important to realize that it provides teachers with simple and minimally invasive management capabilities. Supporting teacher use of technology with CDM tools creates the conditions for success and moves the focus to learning for all students.

At ISTE? Stop by booth 3326 to discuss this and many more education technology topics.