Managing Those Classroom iPads

Ideas for your classroom
With the start of a new semester, your students may need appropriate use procedures for iPads reviewed. While at school, these are a tool for instructional purposes. Just like any tool, students need to be taught how to use it. 

iPad tips and helps for the start of the semester:
1.    “Screens down” – iPad not being used for the activity at hand? Tell the class “screens down.” Students place the device (iPad, tablet, phone, laptop) on the desk with the screen facing down. 
2.    Screens up, iPads flat on desk – Is an iPad an appropriate or acceptable device for the activity at hand? Have students place the device flat on the desk with the screens facing up. It’s easier to monitor student work that way.
3.    Swipe to clear – Do you need to have a class that needs to be monitored a bit more closely? Is it an assessment day? You might want to have the students double-click the home button and swipe up to clear all apps. After they have cleared all apps, then assign the appropriate app or site to open (if using the Safari, the iBoss filter tab needs to stay open).
4.    Practice procedures – It may sound elementary, but practicing procedures makes it more natural for you and your students.
5.    When to remove device. If, after warning and redirection, you feel you need to take the device from the student, please remember that it may only be removed for your class period and must be returned at the end of the period. The iPad is the binder, folder, text and learning tool for other classes. 
What about when it’s appropriate for students to use their devices, how do you let them know what’s OK? Many teachers use a “level” system. Levels are intended to delineate levels of appropriate use. For example: 

• Level 1 = whole class activity, no iPad use
• Level 2 = note-taking app only (Notability, Showbie)
• Level 3 = multiple apps allowed (Notability, Showbie, Google Drive, Google Docs)
• Level 4 = earned subject app time (Quizlet, Duolingo, Penultimate, iMovie, Explain Everything, etc.). 

Some teachers have named these levels as stoplight colors (having only 3 levels), as playlists, or something else that matches the subject matter and tone of the individual classroom. Appropriate device use takes practice for both student and teacher. Providing something like “levels” establishes clear guidelines for students when using devices in class. What would work for you?