I wish that I knew what I know now, etc.

Spending a year teaching freshman English in a computer lab was the most eye-opening, mind-blowing and career-changing experience I've had in teaching. Sure, taking courses in technology and earning a degree gave me a solid academic foundation in the "talk" of technology in the classroom, but it wasn't until I was thrown into the a classroom, the purpose of which was to house technology for students to use that I truly began to confront the reality of technology in the classroom, that I began to embrace having to do the "walk" of technology in the classroom.

Now, as the tech guy, I spend my day working with teachers facing the same trepidations I faced at the outset of that year. I think it's time for a post about what I would say to myself if I could go back in time and talk to my-then-self about the experience, knowing what I know now.

Advice #1:

As with any new program or privilege in the classroom, it is important to be on your game classroom management-wise while the students adjust. Remember, it’ll be (sort of) new to them, too.

If you're worried about kids using technology in your classroom, I can make the following assurances:

*They’re going to figure out what sites they can and cannot access–that doesn’t mean they have to use your class time to do it though.

*They will find games/sites that are totally mindless and attempt to access them during class.

*They will definitely test your “with-it-ness” with the new privileges

*These behaviors will be more prevalent early on, less prevalent as you learn the kinds of things they'll try to get away with

*(That being said, it’s also still pretty obvious when they’re off-task.)

*The kids deserve more credit than we give them when it comes to productive use of technology

*Do not let fears stop you; instead, use the way you venture into this new territory to help you grow as an educator

So, what can you do about it? Classroom Management 101:

*Introduce it slowly.

*Give them only the freedom you’re comfortable with them having.

*Monitor them closely, especially when trying something new.

*Have clear, high expectations.

*Practice procedures until the kids are at the level you want them to be.

*Hold the students to your expectations consistently and firmly.  

*Have consequences for when they screw up.

*Have faith in the process (It's not as big of an adjustment as you think!)

*Remember: The students want to use their devices. The fact that they’re able to in your class is cool for them. They don’t want to screw that up.

Some specifics to think about (As with all matters of classroom management, there are no right or wrong answers to these questions. Do what works best for you and your students):

*How do you want students to conduct themselves while using their devices in class? Do you insist that they be above the desk at all times? Do you want to always be able to see their screens? Do you care?

*What do you want students to do with their devices when they’re not being used for class? Will you have the students put their devices away when they’re not in use, or will you have them be face-down on the desk?

*Will you have a way to indicate whether technology is allowed to be used or not? I know we have signs in the classrooms, but some people choose other ways, such as a lamp that gets used like a technology bat-signal.

*What do you want students to do about the audio function? Should the sound be turned off at all times? Do you care?

*Are there different rules during tests and quizzes? Is it possible to have some tests/quizzes that allow devices?

We live in an age of information abundance. It is important to clarify how we can begin to embrace that  abundance. What other practical steps are necessary to begin changing the culture of education to a more student-centered, inquiry-based  endeavor? I'll try to tell my former self more as I think of other advice.