Management Tips for a 1:1 Classroom

I recently put together this list for my teachers that contains some ideas about classroom management practices from other educators who have taught in 1:1 environments. Every teacher is different and, therefore, manages their classroom differently. But I encourage anyone in a 1:1 environment to look through the list; many of the ideas are easy to implement. If you have other management ideas that work well for you, please let me know - I would be glad to add them to this list!

Classroom Procedures

• Well-defined procedures: using time efficiently equals more learning time!
• Teach the procedure, practice it, monitor/correct/reinforce, and review when necessary.

Instructional Design

• Anticipate the worst, hope for the best. Have a plan to deal with off-task, or disruptive behavior.
• Eye contact must be made at the beginning of class.
• Students have their hands off devices, or closed, or face-down when not needed.
• When used, iPads are flat on the desk.
• No earbuds.
• Challenge the students to be continually active and engaged. Leave no time for off-task behavior or boredom (i.e. teach “Bell to Bell”).

Student Management Strategies

• Facilitate learning and promote attentiveness through proximity. Move around the learning area and use distance to influence behavior.
• Set expectations for hands-on / hands-off time for learning tools.
• Example: If the teacher closes the iPad, only the teacher may reopen it. The “technology tool timeout.” 
• Use timers to help students stay focused and on task. Time limitations and expectations help keep students on a challenging, but productive pace.
• Example: Using Siri on the iPad (hold Home button; say “Siri, set a timer for X minutes.”)
• Clearly share expectations and guidelines with students. Empower students to help create and communicate behavioral expectations.
• Limit items on students’ desks to only those that are needed for class. Backpacks should be on the floor; phones should not be visible; iPads should be flat on desk (face-down or closed when not in use).
• Take time to practice using the iPads for specified purposes. Establish procedures to deal with technical issues when they occur.
• Identify tell-tale signs when students are off task. These may include: screen-fixated eyes, typing off normal pace, color reflections that don't match the rest of the class, reactions or emotions that don't match the activity, eyes down at their lap, or hands under desks.

Note: Student iPads can be configured and renamed to better identify students. Teachers can take a “screenshot” in conjunction with Apple Classroom, or an “AirDrop request” to capture an image of a student being off-task. To do this, press and hold the Power button and the Home button simultaneously. The screen will flash when the buttons are released.