One of the complaints I hear from teachers now that we've implemented a 1:1 environment with iPads is that students are playing with their iPads instead of paying attention in class. The truth is that we've all had trouble with kids not paying attention to our lessons at one time or another, but the iPad is offering them a new reason to be distracted! Whether students are talking to the person beside them, reading a book, writing a note, daydreaming, or playing on an iPad, the situation is still the same. Whenever students aren't paying attention, teachers need to have some classroom management strategies in place. Some of the classrooms I have been in try the following:
A. When the teacher is giving directions, all iPads are turned over or are on the rack under the desk.
B. Most directions are given before students begin using the device.
C. The teacher walks around the room during the activity to monitor progress and engagement.
D. Consequences are posted for students who get off task.
Overall, although iPads can be distracting, I think our teachers are handling the situation in a manner that keeps problems to a minimum. For the most part, if you can control your classroom, you can control your classroom with iPads.
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