• Describe how smartphones and tablets are, and are not helpful in educational settings at the age level you’d like to teach 

Smartphones are not helpful in an educational setting at a grade 2 level; however, tablets are indeed useful for doing classwork. In grade 2, students are a little familiar with using smartphones but are not at the age where it is a constant distraction to them. I find that most grade 2 students don’t have their own phone, so it doesn’t impact their learning in classrooms. However, as of recent I’ve seen the use of iPads in the classroom more and more. The use of iPads at a great 2 level is a great tool as most elementary schools provide iPads for students, and they’re equipped to be kid friendly so it can help students develop safe online uses.

 

• Summarize the new BC Ministry of Education guidelines on device use in K-12 

The new guidelines that the BC Ministry of Education implemented on device usage in the classroom are as follows. Students are generally prohibited from using personal devices (phones and tablets) during class time. However, devices may be used for specifical instructional purposes or for students with accessibility needs. It is also a school’s responsibility to enforce its own school policies about device usage. The Ministry of Education emphasizes that these new guidelines will help to create a distraction free environment in classrooms. 

Cell phone restrictions in schools BC Ministry of Education

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/cellphones-in-schools

In class work activity on the Science Journal