NEIT14+Open+Space+3F+-+Parlor

__** Tablet 1:1 **__ // Led by Sean Clarke/Riverdale Country Day and Avi Bloom, SAR Academy & SAR High School //

Questions: _____________________________________________________________________
 * 1) What are best practices for adding a 1:1 tablet program? Has anyone done this successfully?
 * 2) How do you support this program in a professional manner?
 * 3) How do you make sure that teachers don't use their iPads just as readers, i.e., change their pedagogy to take full advantage of the device?
 * 4) Do you use a keyboard or not? What about stylii?
 * 5) How do you deal with kids getting distracted by the device?
 * 6) How do you help teachers figure out what to do with the device?
 * 7) How do you get teachers to "buy in" to using the device?
 * 8) How do you assess student learning?
 * 9) How do you deal with the "app" mania mentality?


 * 1. What are best practices for adding a 1:1 tablet program? Has anyone done this successfully? **
 * Solicit teachers to become part of a pilot program and require some kind of thoughtful application process (don't just hand out a device to everyone)
 * Expect something in return for receiving the device (running a PD session for fellow teachers to show what has worked in your classroom)
 * Make a contract so expectations are clear
 * Emphasize that this is a learning process for all involved
 * Have your structure support the program
 * Academic Dean works with Director of Technology and Academic Technology
 * Generate interest with Department Chairs first
 * Host parent sessions to reassure and educate


 * 2. How do you support this program in a professional manner? **
 * Do not mandate change - let it be an organic process
 * Consider running a PD session after graduation and paying teachers a stipend
 * Don't "sell" your technology - show respect for your teachers' intelligence
 * Involve the teachers in the decision-making process (e.g., have teachers decide WHICH device they will be using in their classes)
 * Invite students to a "dessert" session


 * 3. How do you make sure that teachers don't use their iPads just as readers, i.e., change their pedagogy to take full advantage of the device?**
 * Expose teachers to possibilities - here is something you //can// do
 * Send teachers out to visit other schools to see how others are implementing the technology
 * Have teachers share their successes within the school and across disciplines


 * 4. Do you use a keyboard or not? What about stylii?**
 * Don't expect your keyboard cover to last more than 1 year
 * Plan ahead if having students set up bluetooth device within a class (name of device the same, can't distinguish which keyboard is active)
 * Consider using a keyboard if students already touch type and will be writing a lot of text
 * Younger kids may benefit using just a stylus since they may not be touch typing
 * Riverdale is using Perixx keyboard ($30) - it is bluetooth and standalone (no case) along with a stand (iKross). Disadvantage of this keyboard is that it uses bluetooth and requires sufficient table space.
 * Riverdale uses space pen by Fisher and Jot stylii for teachers to encourage teacher buy in (more expensive but more precise)
 * __// Big question - is it only the adults who need keyboards because they are used to using computers? Is this relevant to our students' experience? //__


 * 5. How do you deal with kids getting distracted by the device?**
 * Remind teachers that they are in charge.
 * Suggest ways of dealing with issues appropriate to your age group/classroom/school culture
 * Walk around the room
 * Encourage kids to do the right thing but warn them you will ensure this behavior if necessary
 * and will deal with this in the same manner as any other discipline issue.


 * 6. How do you help teachers figure out what to do with the devic**e?
 * Limit the number of apps installed
 * Focus on workflow rather than "how to"
 * Define goals and work your way backwards
 * Host afterschool sessions where teachers can share ideas across disciplines
 * Have informal chats to reduce anxiety and brainstorm ideas


 * 7. How do you get teachers to "buy in" to using the device?**
 * Encourage teachers to come to open-ended lunch discussions; provide food that is better than the cafeteria's as a "carrot"
 * Capitalize on an individual teacher's interests; his/her interest will be contagious within a department and will help move towards a critical mass
 * Let teachers teach each other instead of technologists teaching teachers (across disciplines)


 * 8. How do you assess student learning?**
 * Use "Explain Everything" to have students record and illustrate process (for ex., 2nd grade math - show process of how you figure out a problem)


 * 9. How do you deal with the "app" mania mentality?**
 * Limit the apps to a handful of generic all-purpose apps
 * Show teachers examples of ways to teach skills using generic apps
 * Limit installation opportunities to 3 times a year