Teaching Techniques
All teachers use various techniques to deliver the content and create an effective learning environment. The same holds true in a mobile teaching and learning classroom. There are techniques that can be used to encourage proper technology use and assist in the technology integration. The following content does not suggest an exhaustive list of techniques, as various techniques will continually be utilized and developed by individual instructors, but it can be a reference for you as you develop your classroom management plan.
Instructor-led Classroom
The instructor of the classroom is the one who developes, communicates, and manages the classroom policies. Every instructor has the right and ability to allow or disallow the amount of mobile computing devices in the room. Even in a mobile teaching and learning environment, if the technology is not supporting the learning process, the instructor can simply request that the mobile devices be put away. If it is a short-term request, an instructor can simply direct the students to close the lids of the laptops.
As a whole, the use of mobile devices in the classroom is encouraged, but if it is not working well for the instructor or the students, the technology can be required to be put away for the time being. Though the devices may be owned and operated by the student, it is the instructor’s classroom. What is allowed or disallowed is at the instructor’s discretion.
Tablet PCs
Tablet PCs offer an advantage over laptops in that the Tablet PC has a screen that can be swiveled and placed in a flat position. This can serve for two advantages concerning classroom management. First, it removes the screen barrier between the student and the instructor. Also, many games, chat sessions, and other distractions are not as convenient when the computer is in the Tablet mode.
Movement
In a classroom where the instructor stays soley in the front of the classroom, the students will more likely wander into surfing, chatting, or gaming as they are not held accountable for what they are doing on their laptops. On the other hand, an instructor who moves throughout the classroom during the course of the class period can more likely monitor the activities of the students and discourage distractive wandering.
DyKnow Monitor
If the instructor is not able to move throughout the classroom during the class period, they may use available technologies to assist in the monitoring of student computers. DyKnow monitor is a software application that allows the instructor to monitor and manage what the students are doing with their laptops. The instructor can do three primary functions with DyKnow Monitor:
· View the student’s machine to verify if they are on task
· Only allow certain applications to be used during the class period
· Lock down the student’s keyboard/mouse or computer all together
If you would like to know more about DyKnow, CTELT offers multiple DyKnow training sessions throughout the semester and is also available for individual consultations. You can also visit the DyKnow website at http://www.dyknow.com/.
Online Tests
Blackboard allows for test development and test distribution online. This can be advantageous even for on-campus instructors. Blackboard provides two Test Options that help limit the ability for students to cheat in a classroom environment.
The first option is Random Ordering. When the students access the test, they are each given a different order of questions. So students sitting next to each other will not have the same question order.
The second option is Random Block. When the students access the test, they are given a certain specified number of questions out of a larger number of possible questions. Therefore, each student receives a different allotment of questions.
If you would like to know more about the Blackboard testing features, CTELT offers multiple Blackboard training sessions throughout the semester and is also available for individual consultations.
Respondus LockDown Browser
In reference to testing, one problem that can occur in a mobile computing environment is the availability for students to find answers using the web or other applications on their computer. Respondus LockDown Browser is a software application that prohibits students from accessing the Internet or other files while they are taking a test. For more information on Respondus visit http://www.fhsu.edu/ctelt/learningtechnology/respondus.shtml
Technical Problems
As with all technology, technical problems are going to occur. These problems could include the malfunction of a student’s computer, the inability to connect to the network, inability to open files, or software malfunction. Instructors should be prepared to handle situations and know contact information for support and where to direct the student to receive support.
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