Student+Education

Students will not come to the classroom automatically knowing appropriate online interactions, copyright laws to avoid plagiarism, and how to actually use an iPad. It is essential that teachers cover three main topics with their students before beginning any projects: the iPad contract, online citizenship, and how to use the iPad.

iPad Contract
Before issuing an iPad to students, teachers need to address many issues with the students. Depending on their age, many students may not know what a contract is or even understand that they have a responsibility to take care of the device. Teachers should discuss what a contract is, what it means for the student and their parent(s)/guardian, and address each issue listed on the contract itself. Specific issues to be covered on the contract can be found on the Contractual Agreements page.

Online Citizenship
Students need to be taught how to behave appropriately in an online environment. Some students may have used computers in the past at home or in school, but there will be some that will experience this for the first time and are unaware of online citizenship. It is imperative that teachers address cyber bullying, appropriate online searches, and copyright infringement. Teachers should also address issues as they arise in the classroom such as discussions in an online environment before attempting to have the students participate in one. Modeling appropriate behavior, having practice sessions face-to-face, and showing multiple examples while having students identify the positive and negative components are good ways to teach online citizenship.

[[image:students.jpg width="272" height="170" align="right"]]
The last major component of education that students will need before using the iPads effectively is specific training on using an iPad. Although the students are part of the Net-Generation, teachers cannot assume that students will automatically know how to use the devices. Teachers should start with the basics of turning on/off the device, finding and managing Apps, and saving/retrieving documents on the device. Students will also need App-specific instruction before introducing a new App in the classroom, but they can be covered as they arise throughout the school year.

Please continue to our next page, Teacher Education