Classroom Management Tips & Tech

Classroom management can seem daunting, especially when integrating technology. Below are some helpful tips for helping create a positive, consistent, and focused classroom while using tech (thanks for the example lesson, Jeff!).

1. "Ask Three Before Me"

This is a helpful reminder for when students have a question. It encourages them to ask three peers, or check three resources (online, book, instructions) before they ask you as the teacher. This helps protect your time as a teacher and also encourages them to interact with their peers and practice being resourceful. I am a fan of this method and am excited to use it in my world language classroom because it also rhymes in French: Demande à trois, avant moi :) 

2. Limit Time (and Award Bonus Time)

One common mistake is giving students too much time to complete a task online or using technology. It is quicker to type than to handwrite and especially if students are familiar with the website or technology resources they are using, they may be able to accomplish a given task quicker than students have in the past. When they get done early, students will find other things to fill the time and may get distracted. 

Instead, underestimate the amount of time it will take students, and then award bonus time if it looks like most students aren't done yet. This helps them stay focused (and makes you the hero!). 

3. Physically Remove Screens

Even as adults, it is difficult to avoid the temptation of checking a screen when it's right in front of you. Help your students by physically separating them from their screens. This does not mean taking away your students' devices. Rather, have them set their phones face down or laptops closed on the tops of their desks. Or, have them turn their laptop screens completely away from themselves so they face the front of the class when you are speaking.

4. Exploring New Tech

When introducing a new technology tool, students may become distracted, wanting to explore and push the limits with how they can use it. To avoid losing control of the class, allow intentional time for students to play around with the new technology beforehand. This can even be just 3-5 minutes in class and then you can even allow space afterwards for students to share with the class what they learned. 

5. Clear Expectations and Explanations

Establish a consistent routine and clear expectations for students. You could start every day with the same entry slide on the screen that outlines what materials students need. For example, is a laptop needed today or not? Headphones? Pencil and paper? This helps students know what to expect and whether it will be appropriate to get out their computers each day. 

Another way to set clear expectations is to use timer on the screen when students have a certain amount of time to get a task done. This helps gives students ownership of their time and practice pacing themselves. 

6. Review Established Procedures

Help students out by practicing already-established procedures periodically throughout the year. For example, before you begin a lesson, you could ask students to demonstrate what good listening looks like (closing their laptops, looking at the you or at their notes, not talking to neighbors). This helps remind students what is expected and makes them feel confident that they know what to do.

Here is a great article that highlights some additional tips for integrating technology into your curriculum.

What are other classroom management ideas that you find helpful when using technology? Please feel free to comment below!