Multiple-Device

Classroom
Tajhai Black, Lexi Gause, Allison Hancock, Alyssa Alfaro
Benefits
 1. Involvement
Multiple-device classrooms enhance interactions between teachers and students. Compared to more traditional
teaching methods, multiple-devices can provide teachers with better insight into student thought-processes, as
well as a more individualized and efficient way to track mastery of content and skills.

Each student may simultaneously be given the opportunity to actively participate in instruction and activities
through various interactive software that can provide immediate feedback and reinforcement.
2. Learning Opportunities
Learning can be diversified and enhanced within the classroom.
When field trips and going outdoors are not options, multiple-
device classrooms can bring enriching multisensory experiences
to the students, virtually.

Teachers have access to more instructional strategies and the

opportunity to act as a facilitator of learning, while students may
explore content on their own in a more individualized manner.
3. 21st Century Skills
By incorporating new and common technology in classrooms and allowing each child equal access to those
devices and software, they are able to build the skills necessary in today’s era of technology.

Those skills include, research, communication,

media literacy, critical thinking, cooperation, and
it’s important for students to understand
copyright laws, as well as other rules of
technology and the Internet.
4. Convenience

With each student

having a laptop or tablet,
individual work can be
easily saved and accessed
on software downloadable
to devices outside of the
classroom (i.e. at home,
library, computer lab), so
learning continues beyond Teachers are now using Google
school hours. Classroom or Canvas, which students
can access from any device, anywhere,
as long as they have WiFi.
5. Accomodation
The numerous applications technology offers, accompanied by multiple devices in the classroom makes
content more accessible for students with different needs, including those who are at-risk, gifted, have
disabilities, and are second language learners.
Drawbacks
 1. Cost
Despite saving money on textbooks and other printed
media, the outright cost of multiple devices along with
installment, insurance, and potential repair and replacement
costs for classrooms may not be within the budget of the
school due to the district, funding, and other priorities for
spending.
2. Equal Access
Many schools do not have individual devices available for every student, rather there is a technology
lab or two with enough computers or devices for one class at a time. The issue is if the students have
assignments to do in the technology lab and they aren’t able to finish, how and when are they going to get
another opportunity to complete the work? They are most likely going to have to wait until the next time
they go to the lab.
3. Technical Difficulties
There is a highly-probable chance that problems will occur
with the technology in the classroom while it’s being used or
right before. Computers can crash; various devices may be in
need of charging; the WiFi may go out in the school; accidents
causing damage, especially with younger children can be
expected. These difficulties along with many others can disrupt
the classroom and be frustrating for both teachers and students.
4. Complexity
Schools may supply the devices for the classroom, but the teacher has to determine whether they are
developmentally appropriate for use, and what available programs and applications can make the technology
accessible for their students, based on age group, ability in different developmental domains, exposure
levels, etc. This process of choosing can feel painstakingly long, as well as the process of introducing the
devices to the children and implementing them seamlessly into the classroom.
5. Research and Security
Students have access to all kinds of information from various sources that may or may not be credible or
relevant for a project, paper, or worksheet, so they may make poor decisions on what resources to include.
Another issue due to such access, is how cheating is easier than ever on quizzes, tests and assignments,
which compromises active learning, comprehension, and professional development.
Best Practices
Best Practices How does the practice
work?
1) Mobile These carts can include
Technology Cart tablets or computers, and
are placed in classrooms to
offer technology to students
without having “permanent
installations” like desktops
in every classroom.
2) Computer Labs This is a specific room
dedicated to the use of
technology for teachers to
schedule appointments for,
which enables all students
to use the same technology
at once.
Example Activity TIM Model Justification
Students in small groups This activity falls under
will use mobile tablets in the collaboration tab of
order to film different the TIM Model where
open scenes around the students work together in
room. order to learn.
Students will individually This activity falls under
follow along a webquest the active tab under the
in the computer lab about TIM Model, because
ancient roman theatre. students are actively
looking for answers
through technology,
instead of getting
information passively
through a video.