Rules for my School iPad

This year, for both my initial kindergarten and first grade ipad lessons I took a different approach to our digital citizenship agreement.  Instead of just sharing with students what the school rules for ipads were, I engaged the students in a discussion on what kind of rules they have with devices at home.  I was super impressed at how quickly children shared rules about time limits, only using ipads on Saturdays, not being able to download apps, not knowing their parents' passwords, having to ask permission to use the device, certain apps (YouTube and "war games") were off limits, etc...  We then agreed upon which of those rules should pertain to school.  Below is an example of the school ipad agreements for one class.

Going Places Safely Online

The G1 Librarian and I teamed up to teach students about how to start using the internet safely.  We begin by making comparisons with real world travel and online travel.  Just as children have rules when traveling in the real world, they should have rules for going places online as well.  After that, students go on a virtual field trip and explore the San Diego Zoo Kids' website.   They practice asking permission to go to Safari or Chrome and have an opportunity to apply rule #3, if they end up somewhere that is not a 'just right' place, students close out the tab.

A Technology Use Contract at Home

My family recently had a dinner discussion of ways to make a positive change with technology use and screen time at our house.  We followed Common Sense Media's 1:1 customizable contract and set some boundaries.  The difference has been astronomical and we are very happy to have time limits and clear expectations in our household of when, where, and for how long it is ok to be on technology.  Surprisingly enough, there haven't been any complaints from our children either.  They know the rules and since they were part of the decision making process they stand by them.  

iLEARN iPad Rules

Today, students learned some key rules to using iPads responsibly. Then, they chose one of the rules to illustrate using the app, Doodle Buddy.

Leave the iPad Stationary

Exercise Good Listening Skills (turn off the screen when a teacher is talking)

Remember to Use 2 Hands (when carrying it to put away)                                                                                                                                                   No Food or Drinks Near the iPad