Figuring it Out: the first quarter of 1:1 Chromebooks

We are almost a quarter into this year of school.  The newness factor of the Chromebooks has worn off, and given me time to reflect about what worked, what didn't work, and what still needs work.  Here are some questions our school has had to ask ourselves as we continue on this journey.

1. Are we only using the Chromebooks for replacement?

At our Chromebook bootcamps for teachers this summer, we discussed the SAMR model, and how we could redefine learning if we thought about the power of technology.  Many of our teachers have tried innovative approaches to using Chromebooks in the classroom.  Some are still stuck in the substitution phase, though, and we continue to think about how to get them to climb higher up the SAMR ladder.

2. How can we get past feeling annoyed by student behavior?

Some things kids do with Chromebooks are irritating to teachers.  Students play games when they should be studying.  They leave them under desks even though they aren't supposed to leave them unattended.  Some don't come with them charged, others forget them at home.  We have policies in place, but of course teenagers are people, and people aren't perfect.

The problem comes when the irritation over these glitches impedes us from trying something new with this technology.  We have to keep reminding ourselves that MOST of our kids are doing exactly what they're supposed to be doing.  We need to keep refining and rethinking policy and procedures, and keep practicing behaviors with our students.

3. How do we find the time to create and plan?

This is probably the greatest hurdle, and of course one we have no concrete answer for at the moment.  The teachers have all these ideas about sites they can use - Kahoot!, Today's Meet, PearDeck, Thinglink, etc. - but when do they have time to plan?

I am in the process of converting most of the work students do to digital versions, so I find that I'm spending a lot of extra time with this.  Do I love it when its done?  Yep!  Do I have a hard time finding the time to do it?  Yep again.

We keep telling ourselves to take baby steps and not to try to do everything this first year.  We're still a work in progress!