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Five Ideas to Reduce Digital Distractions in Classrooms

Posted By Joe McClary CAE, Tuesday, May 9, 2023

As technology continues to become more ubiquitous in our lives, it’s becoming increasingly challenging for teachers to maintain the attention of their students in the classroom. With smartphones, laptops, and tablets at their fingertips, it’s easy for students to get distracted by the allure of social media, messaging apps, and other digital distractions. However, there are steps that high school and college teachers can take to reduce digital distractions in the classroom and create a more productive learning environment.
1. Establish clear rules and expectations
One of the most effective ways to reduce digital distractions in the classroom is to establish clear rules and expectations. At the beginning of the semester, take some time to discuss your expectations with your students. Let them know that you expect them to be fully engaged in class and that the use of electronic devices should be limited to class-related activities only. Consider creating a contract or agreement that outlines your rules and expectations and have your students sign it.
2. Make use of technology
While technology can be a source of distraction, it can also be a useful tool for keeping students engaged in the classroom. Consider using interactive apps or websites that can help students stay focused and engaged during class. For example, you can use polling software to get real-time feedback from students, or you can use educational games or simulations to help reinforce important concepts.
3. Encourage active learning
Active learning is a teaching method that encourages students to be more engaged and involved in the learning process. By incorporating activities such as group discussions, role-playing exercises, or hands-on projects, you can create a more dynamic and engaging classroom environment that can help reduce digital distractions.
4. Create a device-free zone
Another effective way to reduce digital distractions in the classroom is to create a device-free zone. Designate an area of the classroom where electronic devices are not allowed, such as the front row or a specific section of the classroom. This can help students who are easily distracted by their devices stay focused and engaged in class.
5. Be an engaging and dynamic teacher
Ultimately, the most effective way to reduce digital distractions in the classroom is to be an engaging and dynamic teacher. Create a classroom environment that is welcoming and inclusive, and use a variety of teaching methods to keep students engaged and interested. By being an active and involved teacher, you can help reduce digital distractions and create a more productive learning environment for your students.

In conclusion, reducing digital distractions in the classroom requires a multifaceted approach that involves establishing clear rules and expectations, using technology effectively, encouraging active learning, creating a device-free zone, and being an engaging and dynamic teacher. By implementing these strategies, high school and college teachers can create a more productive and engaging classroom environment that fosters learning and helps students stay focused and engaged.

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Tags:  Classroom Management 

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California Teacher Caught Berating Students in Leaked Zoom - What We Can Learn

Posted By Joe McClary CAE, Monday, April 12, 2021
Updated: Tuesday, April 13, 2021
https://twitter.com/ReopenCASchools/status/1381406497905647619?s=20

Like a shark to blood in the water, so are some students who can sense a stressed and tired teacher. As teachers, we have all been there.  A day happens when we are tired, stressed, and perhaps worn out. Unexpectedly and without forewarning, a crafty student presses just the right buttons, almost strategically, and then it happens. The teacher lashes out.  In today's world, cell phones are often there to catch teachers at their worst. Recently, a California teacher was recorded berating students in a leaked Zoom over a push for in-person learning. The teacher was caught challenging students to "come at me," and the video tells the rest of the story. 

There are two layers to this video. One layer is the content and merit of the discussion. The other layer is how the teacher handled the situation, which is the layer we want to examine to avoid making some of the same mistakes. 

Here are a couple of observations after watching the video.

  1. The students in the video love that the teacher is losing control. They got the teacher where they want her, lashing out and making a scene. Nothing satisfies some students like pushing the teacher to the edge and watching the sweetest of all rewards, seeing them flail. Don’t give students the pleasure of seeing you squirm. We must maintain control of our words and emotions.

  2. The teacher in the video is venting personal feelings that are probably irrelevant to the course. Teachers should be self-aware and avoid venting to students. It is easy to become frustrated about something in life, then vent on those issues to your students. Under no circumstances vent to other students about: other students, other teachers, or the administration. If you do, don’t be surprised if you get bit.

  3. It appears that the teacher in the video is speaking to the students more as peers than students. That is a big mistake. Teachers can certainly be friendly, but a healthy wall needs to be between the student and the teacher. That wall needs to be in place. Younger teachers should especially be conscience of the wall as they are closer to their students' age and social dynamics will infer they can friends with you.

  4. Avoid challenging parents via the students. Why? Parents might show up and give you more hassle (due or undue) than you ever anticipated. If you challenge parents through students, the student also gets to communicate a potentially slanted and one-sided narrative first. One strategy I used successfully over and over in the classroom is that when I had the least amount of trouble with a student, I called home to report the issue along with the good things about the student. Those calls encouraged the parents and let them know what was happening in class, which didn't allow the student to change a truthful narrative about the negative. Essentially, I got to the parent before the student did and ensured the truth was known. By the way, I never had a negative situation in a call with a parent when I coupled something good about the student’s performance.

Finally, remember that teaching in 2021 requires we understand that anything we say or do may be recorded. It doesn't matter about school policy or whether our students are supposed to record. It will happen. Just prepare for it, and don't ever say anything to a student you wouldn't want on CNN or Fox News.

Tags:  Classroom Management 

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