With near ubiquitous Internet access in schools, teachers must be equipped with the skills to keep students on task in bring-your-own-device (BYOD) and one-to-one (1:1) classrooms. The network experts who developed NetRef, a teacher-controlled, no-device-download technology for Internet management for schools, shared EdTech advice to advance digital literacy for teachers new to BYOD and 1:1.
“Children are growing and learning online, both in and out of the classroom. In the connected classroom, teachers require the ability to show students what is and is not appropriate, set clear boundaries and enforce them,” said George Dotterer, CEO and co-founder of Verite Educational Systems Inc.
To support online learning without reliance on IT, school administrators and teachers are advised to:
- Establish policies and practices that cultivate a unified and collaborative culture.
- Source EdTech tools that integrate seamlessly, are simple to use and enhance learning.
- Regularly communicate clear expectations for appropriate Internet use.
- Positively reinforce appropriate online behavior.
- Use software solutions that allow teachers to view student Internet activity in real time.
- Customize websites based on student activity as well as curricula.
- Remember that curiosity in students is healthy. Teachers must build the safe space within which it can be purposeful.
“In order to free up teachers to concentrate on implementing their lesson plans instead of checking smartphones and tablets, a system that is easy to implement and use must be established,” added Dotterer. “The Internet is a wonderful learning tool, but teachers need help keeping kids safe and focused on schoolwork rather than social media and memes.”
Dotterer and his team designed NetRef to help teachers maximize the web as an educational and collaborative learning tool. With seamless and simple integration, NetRef offers umbrella protection across all systems, hardware and devices, minimizes distractions, and helps keep students on-task.
Classroom management simplified with EdTech tools that display Internet activity by student and class in real-time
