Many of us are using iPads, iPods, or other devices in our classrooms this coming year! This technology is so exciting, especially when we get it into the hands of young learners!!! It can definitely enhance learning, encourage creativity and collaboration, and keep the kiddos engaged in their learning!
Before my kids even get to touch, look at, breath on, or use :) their iPads next year, I am going to spend LOTS of time going over the do's and don't's of using the iPads. I've found that spending this time on procedures (just like with anything else in the classroom) will save me lots of time, lots of shouting across the room, and lots of headaches during the school year.
They must know what is expected of them in order to be successful!
Soooooo, I created an "Acceptable Use Policy" for my kiddos! Here it is:
I plan on spending lots of time drilling each point/procedure into the kids' heads (like iPad bootcamp!) ;-)
We'll model it.
Practice it.
Celebrate correct use.
Take pictures of it.
I'll bring my pom poms in from my old cheerleading days and cheer for the kids that are doing it right...
And anything else I can do to get these procedures stuck in their brains!
Once we've gone through all of the procedures, I'll post these
on our classroom rules board so we can refer back to them.
And, as part of their homework, they'll need to take the AUP home with them, "teach" their parents about the AUPs, and then have their parents sign it too (just so the parents know what is expected of their kiddos when it comes to the iPads at school).
Please feel free to click the tab above that says "Tech Projects" to grab the AUP and posters to go along with it. All I ask is that you follow my blog. :-) There are three different versions of the contract- one for iPad, one for iPod, and one for devices. Each version has two types- one that says "my iPad" and one that says "the iPad" (in case your students are sharing them!)
If you need the AUP or the posters to say something different, you can find an editable version here (just click the picture):
As always, I'd LOVE to hear from you about how you are using these AUPs in your classroom!!!
What do you do to make sure your kiddos are using their technology appropriately???! :-)
