Thriving in the Digital Classroom: Strategies for Empowering Educators

Aaron Jaramillo, Senior Director, Educational Technology, Albuquerque Public Schools

Aaron Jaramillo is a driving force in educational technology. With over 20 years in K-12 education, he brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Director of Educational Technology at Albuquerque Public Schools. From his early work as a web manager to his current leadership position, Jaramillo has consistently sought innovative ways to leverage technology for student success.  A passionate advocate for both students and educators, he inspires his team to create engaging and effective learning environments. Aaron is an active member of ISTE and CoSN and currently serves as President of the New Mexico Society of Technology in Education (NMSTE).

Through this article, Jaramillo emphasizes the importance of balancing technology and learning in the modern classroom. He highlights that while technology offers exciting opportunities, it's crucial to maintain a productive learning environment and foster responsible digital citizenship.

The modern classroom is a dynamic blend of traditional and digital learning, presenting educators with both exciting opportunities and unique challenges. There are some key strategies to effectively harness technology's potential, foster responsible digital citizenship, and maintain a productive learning environment.

Cultivating Digital Citizenship

Digital citizenship is no longer optional; it's essential. To navigate the online world responsibly, ethically, and safely, students need to be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge. This means integrating digital literacy across the curriculum, embedding critical thinking, online safety, digital etiquette, and an understanding of digital rights and responsibilities into all subjects. Educators should use resources from organizations like Common Sense Education to give students access to reliable information and tools. Offer digital citizenship workshops to students and teachers, focusing on online safety, media literacy, responsible social media use, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). Collaborate with school staff to develop a comprehensive program promoting digital citizenship.

Finally, schools are recognizing the prevalence of personal electronic devices among students and their potential as educational tools. Rather than implementing formal Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs, many organizations now focus on different strategies to integrate these existing resources into the learning environment while maintaining classroom order and promoting responsible use.

“Beyond the curriculum, educators must foster a culture of responsible technology use. Leading by example and modeling responsible technology use and online behavior in the classroom is crucial.”

Leveraging Personal Devices for Learning

As personal devices become ubiquitous, educators are exploring ways to harness their potential:

1. Educational Integration: Teachers can allow the use of personal devices in lessons when appropriate, fostering digital literacy and 21st-century skills.

2. Responsible Usage Guidelines: Clear policies are being established to guide students on when and how to use their devices during school hours. To ensure that staff members feel supported, schools must consistently and equitably enforce policies for all students. This includes clear communication of these policies, which should be designed to foster a collaborative environment where all staff members feel empowered to uphold the school's mission.

3. Digital Citizenship Education: Schools are implementing programs to teach students about appropriate online behavior, cybersecurity, and ethical technology use.

Balancing Technology and Learning

To create an effective learning environment, schools are adopting strategies to minimize distractions:

● Designated Usage Times: Specific periods are established for personal device use, such as before and after school and during lunch for high school students.

● Teacher Discretion: Educators have the authority to permit device use for educational purposes during class time under their supervision.

● Clear Expectations: Schools are setting explicit guidelines for device usage, with consequences for misuse or unauthorized use, backed by policies and procedures.

Policy Enforcement and Responsibility

Schools are adapting existing technology policies to address personal device use:

● Student Accountability: Students are held responsible for the care and appropriate use of their devices.

● Restricted Areas: Device use is prohibited in certain areas, such as locker rooms and bathrooms, to protect privacy.

● Confiscation Procedures: Schools are developing protocols for confiscating devices when rules are violated, including processes for parent retrieval.

By embracing the reality of personal devices while establishing clear guidelines and expectations, schools aim to create a learning environment that prepares students for the digital world while maintaining focus on education and minimizing distractions.

Mastering Classroom Management in a Digital Age

Technology can empower or overwhelm. To maintain control and maximize learning, proactive planning and the right tools are crucial. Start by establishing clear expectations. Co-create a classroom Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) with students, outlining expectations for device use, online etiquette, and consequences for misuse. Implementing consistent routines for device distribution, logins, and digital submissions is also key. Use visual aids to reinforce these routines. To minimize off-task behavior, design engaging lessons with clear learning objectives and digital activities. 

Explore and utilize device management software like GoGuardian to monitor screens, filter content, and manage student devices. Maximize instructional time by implementing Single Sign-On (SSO) solutions for easy access to learning platforms. When choosing learning platforms, opt for intuitive learning tools and apps that integrate seamlessly.

Fostering a Culture of Responsible Technology Use

Beyond curriculum, educators must foster a culture of responsible technology use. Leading by example and modeling responsible technology use and online behavior in the classroom is crucial. Utilizing positive reinforcement to recognize and reward responsible tech use and positive online behavior further strengthens a responsible culture.

Prioritizing the Human Element

Technology enhances learning but doesn't replace good pedagogy. Effective teaching requires differentiation, belonging, and relationships. Personalized support for all helps everyone navigate the digital landscape successfully.

Designing Engaging Learning Experiences

Technology can be leveraged to create truly engaging learning experiences. Enhance STEM learning by utilizing virtual labs, simulations, and interactive tools to bring these subjects to life. Integrate esports clubs to foster career-based teamwork, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. Encourage creative collaboration by leveraging technology for collaborative projects, digital storytelling, and multimedia presentations.

Embracing Adaptability

The digital landscape is constantly evolving. It is crucial to remain flexible, adapt strategies as needed, and continuously evaluate what works best for your students.

By implementing these strategies, educators can create thriving learning environments where technology empowers students and enriches their educational journey.

Educational Technology

BYOD

Artificial Intelligence