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Managing classroom devices

Three easy ways to make sure devices are a boon -- not burden -- in your classroom.

2 min read

Edtech

Managing classroom devices

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Mobile devices can be a great resource in the classroom — if they’re managed properly. Here are three tips to help you make these devices an asset in your classroom:

  1. Keep things consistent. Assign the same device to the same student every time. This helps the student get comfortable with it and lets the teacher track who is responsible for each device.
  2. Give it a home. Every iPad has a home where it recharges. Simplify this step by using a charging station in the classroom (like the Putnam 16 Charging Station from LocknCharge) to store the devices and ensure that they are always fully charged.
  3. Start small with apps. With over 2 million to choose from, resist the urge to download them all! I recommend starting with less than 15 apps per device. You can add more and remove others based on your unique classroom needs as the year goes on.

If you follow the above steps, you’ll find it much easier to manage your classroom devices and keep students focused on learning. 

Charri Stratton is the director of instructional technology at Putnam City Schools in Oklahoma City, OK.  Charri, a former classroom teacher and library media specialist, has helped the Putnam City Instructional Technology Department grow from zero to over 16,000 iPads in the schools.  She holds degrees and certificates from Oklahoma State University, University of North Texas, and Johns Hopkins University.

Tech Tips is a weekly column in SmartBrief on EdTech. Have a tech tip to share? Drop us a line at [email protected].

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