(elem) Technology Routines

Taking Out & Putting Away Devices: Devices are labeled/numbered and students use a consistent device each day. Technology Helpers or group leaders help distribute and put away/charge technology.

• Best Practice

• Needs Improvement

Answer explanation

Labeling/assigning devices helps ensure accountability and ownership of good device care, reducing damage and misuse.

Taking Out & Putting Away Devices: The classroom lacks an organized system for managing technology devices. There are no designated storage areas, resulting in tangled cords and misplaced devices. Students do not know which device to use, causing delays and disruptions during lessons.

• Best Practice

• Needs Improvement

Answer explanation

When students use a different device everyday, there is less accountability for device misuse/mistreatment. Additionally, the Chromebook can become overloaded with too many user profiles, resulting in slow speeds and freezing.

Handling a Device (Device Care): Device care guidelines are posted visibly in the classroom. Teacher reinforces device care expectations before/during use. 

• Best Practice

• Needs Improvement

Answer explanation

Be sure students understand what acceptable device use looks like.

Handling a Device (Device Care): The classroom lacks clear guidelines for handling technology devices, resulting in mishandling and damage. Students are not trained on proper usage and maintenance, leading to frequent malfunctions and repairs. 

• Best Practice

• Needs Improvement

Answer explanation

Students without a clear understanding of proper device care may unintentionally cause damage or issues.

Independent Time: Technology expectations are posted for independent work time. Teacher uses proximity, check-ins, monitoring software (GoGuardian) and whole group reminders/reinforcement of expectations. 

• Best Practice

• Needs Improvement

Answer explanation

GoGuardian is a great tool to manage the learning environment and maximize student focus.

Independent Time: Students lack the necessary skills to navigate digital tools and resources independently. Limited guidance on appropriate online research and productive use of technology hinders their ability to engage in meaningful and focused tasks.

• Best Practice

• Needs Improvement

Answer explanation

Active monitoring is one of the best way to ensure student focus.

Getting Attention: Teacher has one or more planned and practiced attention signals to focus students. Teacher also uses embedded technologies such as GoGuardian to manage student focus. 

• Best Practice

• Needs Improvement

Answer explanation

You can lock student screens in GoGuardian for quick attention to give instructions or make an announcement.

Getting Attention: The classroom struggles to capture and maintain student attention. Weak classroom management techniques and lack of engaging instructional strategies contribute to distractions and disengagement. Students frequently become off-task, leading to disruptions and reduced learning opportunities. 

• Best Practice

• Needs Improvement

Answer explanation

It doesn't take much for a quality learning environment to deteriorate, distracting from the focus and opportunity for all students.

Entering Class: Teacher greets students before the lesson. If technology is being used, teacher gives specific instructions for use of technology.

• Best Practice

• Needs Improvement

Answer explanation

Greetings and check-ins are a great time to set-up or reinforce expectations for the lesson.

Entering Class: Beginning the lesson is a chaotic process due to the absence of established routines. Students lack a clear understanding of expectations and proper behavior upon entering, leading to noise, tardiness, and disruptions.

• Best Practice

• Needs Improvement

Answer explanation

Unwanted behaviors can be drastically reduced by establishing and reiterating clear expectations.