Android Tablets in the Classroom

Tips for Settings, Security, Childproofing and Policies

Use a QR Code reader to learn more about DLT’s Androids in Education courseor visit the website below

Authored by Karina Barley – Diploma of Teaching, Graduate Diploma Education, Masters in Education ©

http://digitallearningtree2.comKarina D. Barley Android Apps to Teach K-12 Core Standards©

Backing Up and Google Features

The settings have quite a lot of options. We don't have enough time to cover them all, but the following cover some important issues to consider in educational settings.It is extremely important to back up your device. This is to safeguard your content, because if you lose your device, if it damaged or stolen you can easily reset all your previously acquired content.Backup your Tablet often. Here are some things to consider: If you have a Google Account associated with your device, some applications and settings you won't need to worry about backing up, such as contacts as these are automatically synced with your Google Contacts, Email, Calendars, and Talk Conversations. Additionally, some system settings, such as Wi-Fi network passwords, as well as App Purchases on the Google Play market are all saved via Google.  

Karina D. Barley Android Apps to Teach K-12 Core Standards©

Go to Settings and to ‘Back up and reset‘

Karina D. Barley Android Apps to Teach K-12 Core Standards©

With Google covering the bases when it comes to Phone Contacts and Settings, other content like Images, Documents, PDFs, and Media Files can be backed up on your favorite Cloud Storage service, such as Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox etc. Photos taken from your Camera can also be automatically uploaded to Google+ with the Instant Upload feature, allowing you to instantly update your photographs online.

Google+ OneDrive Dropbox Google DriveKarina D. Barley Android Apps to Teach K-12 Core Standards©

Google ToolsWhether you are using an Android Device or a Chromebook, Google have provided a myriad of tools that are ready made for Google Products. (click on all the icons in this section to be taken directly to the various Google Websites)It is impossible to cover everything in this one course, but I can direct you to some really good Open Education Resources (OER) that have short courses, app lists and instructions on how to use the various Google Tools. At the bare minimum, you should know how to find and use Google Docs, Google Play Store, Google Drive, Google Plus, Google Maps and be aware of what resources will work effectively for your classroom.

Karina D. Barley Android Apps to Teach K-12 Core Standards©

Google Docs

Essentially, Google Docs is a free online word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation editor that allows you to create, store, share and collaborate on documents with others. The benefit of Google Dogs is that its flexibility allows a number of people to work on the same document at any given time. This could be extremely beneficial in education as a student could upload their work, then the teacher could add notes, and the process could go back and forth.

Click here to find out about how collaborative Google Docs & Google Drive can be. Alternatively a group of students can work collaboratively on the same piece. Go to this link for an excellent 'Crib Sheet' on how to use Google Docs.

Karina D. Barley Android Apps to Teach K-12 Core Standards©

Google PlayStore

Google PlayStore is the Google App store equivalent. It is here you can purchase apps, music, movies, books etc. that can be used on your Android device or Chromebook.

Karina D. Barley Android Apps to Teach K-12 Core Standards©

Google Drive

Google Drive is the home for your all your files. It is a Cloud based service and with Google Drive, you can share files like documents, images, and PDFs without having to

email them as attachments. Sharing is as easy as indicating which email addresses or mailing lists should have access

to a given file. Click here for instruction on how to use this tool.

Karina D. Barley Android Apps to Teach K-12 Core Standards©

Google+

Google Plus is an online Social Networking site similar to Facebook, but it has so much

more. Click here for a fantastic OER on how to

use Google Plus.Karina D. Barley Android Apps to Teach K-12 Core Standards©

Google Education

Google have an extremely good education site where you can discover lots of information on Google Apps and other Google Resources.

For example, they have a short online course on Chromebooks and what they can offer to education. It will only take you about 40

minutes to go through all the videos but it is worth looking at if you are going to be using Chromebooks in your classroom.

(Click on the word Chromebooks (above) to go directly to this course). Also click on the Google Education icon to be taken to the Google in

Education website). As you will see they also have brief courses on Google Apps, Google Drive, the Internet and Gmail.

Karina D. Barley Android Apps to Teach K-12 Core Standards©

Gmail

Gmail is Google's web based email server. You can access Gmail from a PC, Laptop, Chromebook, your phone or Tablet device. Google have made a lot of improvements to this service by increasing storage, contacts and productivity. However, it is important to know that schools should sign up for a Google Apps Account in order to connect their school, teachers and students using Gmail. This service has significant advantages for schools, including removal of advertising, increased storage, personalization of accounts etc. Please read this blog by Mike Reading to understand the differences between a personalized account and a Google Apps Account. You can also sign up to access a free Google Course on using Google Services in Education.

Karina D. Barley Android Apps to Teach K-12 Core Standards©

Google Maps & Google Earth

Google Maps (Click on the link to be taken to Google’s page on Google Maps and Google Earth) and Google Earth are two of the most underused resources in the classroom. I've been using it since I first had an Interactive Whiteboard in my room and both of these apps just get better and better. In Google Maps, you can go to a site and then take a street view and walk around as if you are actually at that location. This is not only extremely beneficial to improve your lessons, but also valuable if you don't have the resources for excursions. It is also a great resource for your children who have Autism and need visual support or social stories, and you can take your students on a world tour.

Karina D. Barley Android Apps to Teach K-12 Core Standards©

Settings

All versions of the Android OS have a multitasking feature. Generally, you open any app and use it. When you switch to another app, the previous app moves to the background where it stays running. You can then switch back to your previous app instantly. The Android automatically manages apps running in the background, but you can influence them also.

Multitask using the Android

Karina D. Barley Android Apps to Teach K-12 Core Standards©

In Settings under Language and Input you can choose the Text to Speech option. You then have various options on Speech Rate and Mouse Tracking. This is a fantastic application for those students who have difficulty with reading, or sight.

Language Input & Text to Speech

Karina D. Barley Android Apps to Teach K-12 Core Standards©

Karina D. Barley Android Apps to Teach K-12 Core Standards©

There is a great unique feature under the 'Voice Search' tab where you can filter out certain words and bad language.

This is a very good feature for an educational setting.

Karina D. Barley Android Apps to Teach K-12 Core Standards©

Karina D. Barley Android Apps to Teach K-12 Core Standards©

Finally, you can select the Text to Speech Output.

Karina D. Barley Android Apps to Teach K-12 Core Standards©

Karina D. Barley Android Apps to Teach K-12 Core Standards©

Set up a Passcode to help prevent unauthorized use of your mobile device.Go to Settings > Security > Select Screen

Lock to set the level of security you would like, including choosing a password which is

the highest level of security.

Security

Karina D. Barley Android Apps to Teach K-12 Core Standards©

Karina D. Barley Android Apps to Teach K-12 Core Standards©

You can also use an app to childproof your device. One such app is Kids Place Parental Control.

This is an app launcher with parental controls, a child lock that protects your personal data, and

restricts children to apps you have preapproved. Kids Place also prevents children from

downloading new apps, making phone calls, texting or performing other actions that can cost

you money. Includes convenience features for parents such as auto app restart, useful for small

kids who accidentally exit launched apps.Karina D. Barley Android Apps to Teach K-12 Core Standards©

The focus of any Tablet program is to provide tools and resources to the 21st Century Learner. Excellence in education requires that technology is seamlessly integrated into any school's curriculum by increasing access to technology and one of the learning tools of these 21st Century students is the tablet. The individual use of Android device is a way to empower students to maximize their full potential and to prepare them for college and the workplace.Adding technology to the classroom does not diminish the vital role of the teacher. Rather, it transforms the teacher from a director of learning to a facilitator of learning. Students organically become much more self directed and independent as learners when they are given the opportunity to use the tablet within the classroom.  

Mobile Technology Policy

Karina D. Barley Android Apps to Teach K-12 Core Standards©

Effective teaching and learning with mobile technology integrates technology into the curriculum anytime, and in any place.Any policy should reflect what you require students to achieve using technology. I've seen too many policies focus on rules and regulations around technology use, and while security and keeping children safe on the internet is important; we don't want to have so many rules that we limit the use of the tablet either. It becomes a bit of a balancing act, ensuring you keep children safe, while giving them freedom to learn.

Karina D. Barley Android Apps to Teach K-12 Core Standards©

Care and upkeep of the tabletConsequences for misuse of the tabletWill you have a 1:1 student ratio of tablet use? (I believe this is the only way)Parameters for use i.e. level of security, will you allow YouTube use?The types of apps you select for use in your classroomManaging app purchases and updatesWho selects apps?Do you allow any ‘game’ apps on the tablet or do you keep the tablet as an educational tool only? (My recommendation)Can the tablet go home with the student? If so, what policies need to be in place for this to occur? Can parents eventually purchase the tablet?

WHAT YOUR MOBILE DEVICE POLICY SHOULD LOOK LIKE:

Karina D. Barley Android Apps to Teach K-12 Core Standards©

It is a good idea to research other tablet policies implemented in other schools. I think Defiance City School in Ohio has a really good iPad policy that is worth reviewing. Whether your school uses iPads or Tablets, a policy like the Defiance City School is worth looking at. Click on the name of the school to be taken straight to their website.

Karina D. Barley Android Apps to Teach K-12 Core Standards©

The Android Table allows you to create an educational tool that is unique for you, your classroom, and your studentsIt is pivotal for the students to know this tool is for educational purposes only (which is why I have a strict policy of No Games).Set boundaries, having a strong policy in place will ensure those boundaries will be adhered to by students.I’ve spent years of research on using Mobile devises in the classroom, and I’ve barely scratched the surface of their capabilities in this slideshow. If you choose to do your own research be prepared to experience some trial and error. If you want the benefit of my experience, I have written most of my research into courses that you can take at your own leisure.PLAN PLAN PLAN! Set yourself up for success!!!GOODLUCK!

Karina D. Barley Android Apps to Teach K-12 Core Standards©

Thank you for joining me today, if you are interested in learning more please visit us at:

http://digitallearningtree2.com/

Karina D. Barley Android Apps to Teach K-12 Core Standards©

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