started?
2. Where is the funding coming from?
Many districts give up on mobile learning initiatives before they even gets started due to lack of funds. It is important to be creative when thinking
about funding. School districts can look
into E-Rate funding, local and national grants, local company contributions and
help from their PTO. Sometimes starting
small is the most important aspect.
Starting out with a pilot program can be very valuable for not only
teachers but the students as well.
3. Is the initiative sustainable?
Everyday in the news you hear about a school district buying
a ridiculous amount of devices. Was this
plan really thought out? Will it last
more than two years? It is also important
to think about upgrades and broken devices.
What is the cost of repairs, replacements and upgrades?
4. How does the district plan on using the
devices?
Are the students just using these devices for testing purposes in class, or are they going to be able to bring the devices home for personal use? All teachers need to be onboard and be willing to make use of them on a daily basis. Students need to know the importance of the device and the many ways this resource can be used. Will these devices follow the students throughout their educational career? In many districts, students will use the same device throughout the entirety of their education.
Are the students just using these devices for testing purposes in class, or are they going to be able to bring the devices home for personal use? All teachers need to be onboard and be willing to make use of them on a daily basis. Students need to know the importance of the device and the many ways this resource can be used. Will these devices follow the students throughout their educational career? In many districts, students will use the same device throughout the entirety of their education.
5. What device is right for your student
population?
Many schools go to device is the iPad, but it is important
to look at all options and functionality. Some schools feel that Chrome Books are the better route for their students. How will the students be using the devices? Will a keyboard be needed?
6. Is an Acceptable Use Policy set in place?
An acceptable use policy, also called a responsible use
policy, must be set in place before the roll out of the program. Students, teachers and parents need to have
an understanding of what is expected in and outside of the classroom when using
devices. Acceptable Use Policy Resources via @cybraryman1
7. Have the teachers bought into the idea of the
initiative?
This is the fastest way to kill a mobile learning
initiative. All of the teachers need to
be on board. The students will follow
the lead of the teachers. If the
teachers are positive, the students will enturn be more likely to have a positive outlook regarding the use of these devices. Once again, it is important to get a group of positive teachers involved
in a pilot program. These teachers can
then help out the teachers that are more apprehensive about introducing mobile
devices into their classroom.
8. Where is the professional development going
to come from?
I have found that the best professional development comes
from teachers teaching teachers. Before
I began using mobile devices in my classroom, I had the opportunity watch it in
action in a different classroom. Visit
other school districts that have had success!
9. Are there technology leaders in each building
that will keep the initiative
going in a positive direction?
It is always important to have a go to technology leader
that is willing to take the time to work with teachers that are not as tech savvy.
10. What apps will the students benefit from using?
12 of the Best Math Apps for Kids via @TeachThought
50 of the Best Free Apps for Teachers via @TeachThought
APPitic: App Lists for Education via @APPitic
