Reflection

They say experience is the best teacher, and I would agree. I didn't think I would need to post guidelines or rules to use devices of mass education in my FA classes. However, the students differently after one changed his language of usage to Japanese and some decided to text/chat with students in other classes.  Well, that's all changed now and we now read through the "guidelines" each time.  ;)

It is very important to have some set rules and 'Norms' for a computer lab that you wouldn't even think about in a traditional classroom setting.  
You must establish these rules from Day 1 or the students do not adhere to them.  Things like No Liquids on the desk. This is a must as electronics and liquids do not go together and students are careless. 
The other thing I have to teach them is they are not the computer fixer they think they are.  Yes they might have installed grandmother's printer last Christmas but this is a classroom and I'm the only one who has a college degree having anything close to fixing computers.  I built them in the Army for 10 years. They need to understand when there is a problem they tell me not try to fix it themselves or tell their buddy so he can do it.  I must do something or I send for IT.  They really hate this part because if they get to fix something it make them look good.  But Sorry No. 
The rest is just classroom etiquette. 

The new normal for classrooms, whether temporary or otherwise, is a great opportunity to teach appropriate online safety and measures for students, especially the younger ones. Living in a Digital Age, where everything is online and in the palm of the hand, it is important to teach the youth and the little ones how to properly navigate the internet specifically social media. With students learning virtually, educators finally have a leg up on making sure the students are learning online etiquette in a safe and professional environment as opposed to learning through others who may misuse their online presence. This could be a step forward to minimizing bullying as well. 

From the very first day of school this year I have had virtual students. The first four weeks of the year were completely remote and my students logged in from their school issued chrome books until new iPads were distributed. As part of my classroom management process I took 5-10 minutes at the beginning of my morning lesson to go over and discuss the norms expected in order for our classroom to run smoothly and effectively. After about a week the students became accustomed to the online rules and they were able to listen, learn, and also share out with the class when necessary. After the four weeks passed and some students became face to face learners, I still had quite a few that remained virtual so we kept up the same norms. It made it to be an easy transition for those that did come into the classroom because they already knew what was to be expected and what they needed to do to be a good and respectful learner.

School norms are very important as they set the fundamental start of an online classroom. For many, becoming a virtual classroom is something new and therefore it can bring many challenges. Becoming virtual should not be a negative experience but rather another way of becoming educated in the comfort of our home. Having these norms are a positive way into letting our students become prepared with expectations of what will be required of them. Implementing these norms helps to maintain a more structured classroom where it will be a lot easier to learn and obtain the education needed to have a successful year. If these rules are set in the beginning of the year, then things will be able to work better for both teachers and students. Students are also able to be more comfortable with this version of learning and therefore they will be lead into a positive education experience.  

It is very important to have classroom norms so that our students know what we expect of them. These norms eventually become second nature to my students and I do not have to constantly remind them of these norms. This helps with future discussions because we have more time to discuss, instead of talking about the daily norms. 

In order for all students to equally participate in their learning, we must implement digital norms that are easy for them to understand and follow.  These norms are easy for us to constantly review and revisit.

Learning and following these digital norms allow all students to be proactive in their learning as well as learn from others. If we do not follow the norms set forth we will only hinder our learning and the learning of others. I do not currently have a homeroom classroom but if I did these would be the norms I would implement with my class. I would also continue to review and practice to ensure all understand the reason behind each expectation. 

With time some of the online expectations have been relaxed. For example, I do not require students to turn their cameras on as long as they are actively participating. My students know right from wrong and after thoroughly reviewing my expectations with them, most students do not need to be told the expectations any longer. 

Classroom norms are essential to keep a classroom running smoothly and in an orderly manner. I quickly realized that because students were at home they felt as though rules did not need to be put in place. At some point there were students talking at the same time. But , once rules started to be followed the classroom structure ran smoothly.

Classroom norms are essential to keep a classroom running smoothly and in an orderly manner. I quickly realized that because students were at home they felt as though rules did not need to be put in place. At some point there were students talking at the same time. But , once rules started to be followed the classroom structure ran smoothly.