Feature Story
Considerations for Classroom Management in the Digital Age
By Cris Guenter, Ed.D
California State University, Chico
Chico, California
The ever-changing and developing technologies that are coming into our K-12 classrooms are directly impacting how we, as teachers, plan, teach, manage, and assess our students. Focusing on the management aspect offers us an opportunity to reflect, refine, and reconsider skills we already possess. Classroom management strategies in any setting need to consider instruction that is efficient for the teacher and learning that is efficient for the student. Technology such as laptops, interactive whiteboards, clickers, and Internet access support classroom management for teacher and student– if the tools are understood and consideration is given to the sequence of learning events. For example, it makes sense to have the whole class view an online method for art investigation by displaying the expected process on the interactive whiteboard or screen. Teacher modeling of expectations can be demonstrated. Then, students can begin using the classroom computers, digital drawing tablets, or other assigned materials to apply the process along with the expectations. This is efficient for both teacher and student.
Technology is supposed to be a tool that supports the learning. There are times when a piece of equipment does not work or a connection fails and the classroom management scenario could be chaotic. Be flexible and "handle the immediate situation first and then troubleshoot later to make sure the problem does not happen again (Brooks-Young, 2006, p.33)." Like any tool, (and we have many in art education), the more you use it, the more you know about it. Many digital tools are making the life of the educator more resourceful. We now have access to all sorts of digital materials for addressing classroom management such as online courses for teachers, professional development materials in DVD format, and free podcasts from universities at iTunesU. In fact, eSchool News (2008) noted how many states, museums, institutions, and teachers from around the world are sharing a "comprehensive collection of high-quality digital content." These tools are part of what is known as Web 2.0. A basic definition of Web 2.0 is web design and use that facilitates creativity, information sharing, and collaboration (SEM, n.d.).
Lenva Shearing from New Zealand has developed an ongoing wiki project called "Cool Tools for Schools." The project categorizes over 700 Web 2.0 tools for educators by use and purpose. The tools are timely and most are free. Many of the tools contribute directly to classroom management preparation by the teacher. Others can be used to help manage student activities as a lesson is unfolding and still others can be used directly by students to manage how they will create or complete an assignment. If you are uncertain where to begin with digital management, try clicking on the link, Teacher Resources, at this site and start exploring. Lynne (2006) recommends that you if you are not completely confident start small with one activity that is related to your objective. She believes that the activity should be one that you "have practiced to its conclusion." This makes complete sense. If the students are assigned a research task and certain links no longer work, it could lead to classroom management issues. The notion here is that technology is a tool and we want our students to be engaged using this tool. So, thoughtfully consider designing assignments that are engaging, directly supporting curriculum, and, relevant to the real world. They will serve the students and your classroom management well.
Beyond the classroom, digital possibilities exist for a broader level of management. Classroom teachers, schools, and districts are beginning to use digital learning management systems to help systematize the flow and tracking of student data and information as well as communication. HotChalk Learning Management System is one example that can make us reconsider what we have been doing and how current digital technology may help us do it differently. HotChalk is a free online learning environment for K-12 teachers, students, and parents. Within its online system daily, repetitive, classroom tasks are automated; consistent communication with parents and students is possible; and online peer support for educational issues such as classroom management is available.
In conclusion, there are so many technology tools available today and so many ways to begin using digital tools with classroom management. Glencoe offers several classroom management tools to teachers, including TeacherWorks and Lesson Planner Plus. TeacherWorks (Middle School Art, Art in Focus) is an easy-to-use program that includes a lesson planner and electronic versions of the Teacher Wraparound Edition and all print materials. Lesson Planner Plus (ArtTalk) helps teachers design custom lesson plans and provides access to all reproducible resources with the click of a mouse.
Educators need to reflect on what it is they need, what specifically interests them, and what they are willing to investigate and try—on their own, with their students and, perhaps with their schools. The merging of these current digital tools, the immediate access that most now have to the Internet, and the educators who are early adopters are clearly moving the considerations of classroom management for teacher and student well into the 21st century.
Selected Online Resources
- HotChalk Learning Management System
- NETS for Teachers
National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers from the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) - NETS for Students
National Educational Technology Standards for Students from the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) - Cool Tools for Schools
This site is an organized wiki project designed to categorize over 700 Web 2.0 tools for educators by use and purpose. The tools are timely and most are free. Lenva Shearing, the ICT PD Facilitator at Bucklands Beach Intermediate School in Auckland, New Zealand, maintains the site. - iTunesU Podcasts
Hundreds of thousands of free educational podcasts available by opening up iTunes (installed on your computer—Mac or PC), going to the iTunes Store, and then clicking on iTunesU along the menu bar at the top of the page. (If you do not have an iTunes account, you will be asked to create one. However, you do not have to purchase anything.)
References
Brooks-Young, S. (2007). Digital-age literacy for teachers: applying technology standards to everyday practice. Washington, DC: ISTE.
eSchool News. (2008, July 2). Re: Free K-12 content available through iTunes U: Apple's online service expands its reach as states distribute materials for teachers and students [Web log message] Retrieved from: http://www.eschoolnews.com/2008/07/02/free-k-12-content-available-through-itunes-u/.
Lynne, B. (2006). How to manage classroom behavior while using technology within your lesson plans. Managing Classroom Technology. Retrieved from: http://teachingtechnology.suite101.com/article.cfm/managing_classroom_technology#ixzz0WDkAYQUM.
Web 2.0. (n.d.) In SEM Glossary of Terms. Retrieved from: http://www.anvilmediainc.com/search-engine-marketing-glossary.html.