Artifact Reflection Blog #1: Keep it Academic

Keeping technology in our classroom strictly for academic purposes was probably one of the most "Ah ha moments" I have had throughout this first Educational Technology course. During Module 7 we reviewed and discussed strategies for technology integration models as well as managing devices in our classrooms. To be honest, I thought I had this covered. I have been teaching with tech devices in my classroom for at least 10 years and I just thought I had this figured out. I numbered my Chromebooks, set expectations for students to retrieve and return the devices in an orderly fashion, and discussed how to hold the computers properly. We went through apps and websites they could use during the school day, and I expected them to do so. I spent an hour or so each year discussing with students the importance of using computers for the right reasons in our classroom, and that was that. Rarely did I return to the conversation or expectations, until this module...

During class, a colleague and I studied the first article for our class discussion from Ulearning.com. 7 Tools to Help You Managing Digital Devices in the Classroom is an article full of fantastic reminders about using technology in our classroom. And the very best tool, in my opinion, was the reminder to keep technology use centered around the academics in our classrooms. Though it was an obvious statement, it was this tip that got me reflecting on this practice in my classroom.

Keeping technology academic at school has always been my goal, yet was it always at the forefront of my students' minds when they were using tech in my classroom? I certainly could answer "no". Too many times I remember having discussions with students about their choice of time with a computer. I asked what they were really doing. I knew even before I asked the question that playing a racing game wasn't the best way for them to be practicing any standard for learning in class. Yet, how did I get them to the point of understanding? The answer was clear after I reflected on the article I read: model and discuss this expectation explicitly in the beginning of the year. Expect students to stick to this rule! It became my inspiration for the poster I created for the Module 7 assignment "Guideline Design".

My goal is to discuss this poster with my students on the first day of school and revisit it regularly. More importantly the creation of this artifact has encouraged me to be more reflective on my own personal use of technology in my classroom throughout the day. I often have my phone in hand, or right next to me during my lessons. Why? I think it is easy to use the excuse it's because I'm a mom and if someone needs me I need to be there. But this is just an excuse. I wear an Apple Watch for that reason. I have my phone by my side because it is a habit. One that is probably not the best in following my "keep technology academic at school" rule.

So, after this reflection, I'm certain to make some changes next year. My phone is going to stay on my desk, or in my cabinet until lunch or after school. I will still see alerts and messages on my watch, but I don't have to have the phone on me at all times. This is a model to  my students of my "keep technology academic" rule. If I expect them to follow it, I should too!