Fearing Freedom

As a model classroom participant, there is a great deal of uncharted territory through which to navigate.  Over the last few days, students have really challenged my thinking of what "freedoms" should be allowed when working with the iPads.

Our classroom iPads have restrictions enable, as they should.  Lately, though, I've been questioning how much should really be restricted on the iPads.  An easy answer is that students should not be allowed to purchase any apps.  This is an easy restriction for us as none of us, students and teachers, knows the iTunes password.  I'd like to keep it that way.

In an experiment with freedom, I've been leaving the app store available to students and the results have been shockingly good.  It's been an easy and fast way to get updates through for twenty-eight iPads.  It's also a lesson in technology and problem-solving, and it saves me and the tech department a great deal of time.  Today, I've allowed students to navigate the app store independently, and as I type, I'm listening to my kids compete over their success with different grammar apps and Stack the States.  Usually, my kids want nothing to do with grammar.  When I told them I trust them to go to the app store and get grammar apps or Stack the States, they jumped at the chance.  Since these free apps were previously "purchased," students simply had to get them off the cloud.  No password required.

I know I'm repeating myself, but I'm literally hearing kids argue over state flags, concrete and abstract nouns, and fun facts about states.

Freedom is not something to be feared.  Laying out explicit expectations and consequences give students control in an environment where they systemically have none.  When students feel empowered, they are more willing to take control of their learning.  Today really opened my eyes to what students need to succeed.  Common Core State Standards push student choice, as done current research.  If I would have given students optional grammar worksheets or crossword puzzles, I would have ended up with a pile of garbage.  Choice needs to come with trust.  I trusted students to be on educational apps rather than just surfing the internet or browsing YouTube, and they rose to the occasion.

I'm starting a bulletin board in my room that will include pictures of these "free time" or "I'm done" apps.  Students will be able to add to this list as the year goes on.  I've made it clear and will continue to remind students when it's appropriate to be on these apps.  Until then, let's see what happens!