5.+What+We've+Learned

=What We've Learned:= = =

__**Classroom Management and Instruction**__:


 * 1) Digital citizenship was discussed/taught in the beginning of the year. We revisited the "Protecting Your Reputation Online" video later in the year when students were using their devices more often. It seemed more relevant to the students when they were actually doing more with their device in school. (see Project Design for materials)
 * 2) Students had the option of having their devices locked up in a cabinet when not in use, but most students preferred to keep their devices in their pockets and we had NO issues with loss, theft or breakage.
 * 3) Everything took a lot longer than planned, initially, so leave more time for troubleshooting. However, by midyear, students did their own troubleshooting and were helping each other more frequently and needing less adult help.
 * 4) Design lessons with handhelds in mind, but do not design instruction around the device. It is impossible to consider every different device in the room when designing a lesson - it will drive you crazy! Encourage students to learn how/when their device would enhance their learning. Have class discussions to share ideas about this.
 * 5) It was however, helpful to inventory devices in the beginning of the year, so you and the students know in general what their devices are capable of (i.e. text, photos, internet access, apps, etc)
 * 6) Some students had text blocked during the school day. This would be addressed in our initial communication with parents next time so they understand the use of text in the classroom.
 * 7) Encourage students to talk and share how to use their devices. Teachers and students learn what the capabilities and limitations are together.
 * 8) Be comfortable (or as comfortable as you can be!) with ambivalence and uncertainty. There is a huge learning curve here, and if you are used to being the center of classroom activity, this is unsettling, to say the least!


 * __Parent Communication:__**
 * 1) Include learning objectives and demonstration of what students will be doing with their handheld devices.
 * 2) Increase communication with parents throughout the project.
 * 3) In the future, it would help to invite parents in (virtually or physically) to participate in order to see the process in action.


 * __Student Reflections__**:

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__**Future Plans:**__
 * 1) Invite other teachers to explore opportunities to use personal devices in the classroom.
 * 2) Issue devices for students that don't have them. Students take them home and are responsible for charging and securing.
 * 3) Look at how our building policies influence student use of personal devices.
 * 4) Create a transparent classroom through a blog for parents that allow them to read about and view clips of how students are learning (with devices) in the classroom.
 * 5) Provide other elementary schools and secondary feeder schools with information and education about using devices in the classroom (wiki, video, data, lessons learned, etc.)