Back-to-School Guide: Top 5 Ways to Build a Positive Digital Environment

By Betsy Breedlove

A new school year brings new opportunities to create intentional classroom culture—including how technology is used. Teachers can model their digital expectations by teaching and reinforcing expectations, modeling responsible tech habits, and embedding digital citizenship into daily routines. Whether you're 1:1 or using tech occasionally, proactive strategies help reduce issues and increase student ownership.

Here are five focus areas for fostering a positive digital environment in your classroom.

1. Establish Clear Expectations and Digital Citizenship for Your Digital Environment

Create guidelines for technology use that promote respect, responsibility, and safety.

• Discuss appropriate online behavior and the consequences of misuse.

• Teach students about digital footprints and online reputation.

• Implement a digital citizenship curriculum or activities. 

Check out Common Sense Media, ISTE, and Code.org for great resources to get you started.

2. Integrate Technology Seamlessly into Lessons

Technology shouldn't feel like an add-on, but rather a natural part of learning.

• Always plan your learning goals first; let the tools follow, not lead.

• Use Nearpod or Peardeck to make your slides interactive or gamify your lessons with tools like Kahoot, Blooket, or Quizziz.

• Have students demonstrate critical thinking by creating and sharing digital projects that reflect their learning.

  
  

3. Foster Collaboration and Communication

Technology can enhance communication and teamwork among students.

• Support collaboration and peer feedback with platforms such as Google Workspace and Canva, which offer both user-friendly templates and flexible blank spaces for students to share their learning.

• Encourage students to collaborate using digital tools such as Canva Whiteboards or Padlet.

• Facilitate virtual discussions in Google Docs or Google Classroom.

  
  

4. Provide Training and Support

Ensure your students feel comfortable and confident using technology.

• Start with lessons that teach the basic functions of the tool you are using.

• Provide ongoing support and troubleshoot technical issues promptly.

• Encourage students to help each other with technology questions.

  
  

5. Celebrate Tech-Savvy Achievements

Recognize and celebrate students' successful use of technology for learning.

• Allow time for students to share their digital projects and presentations.

• Acknowledge students who demonstrate strong digital citizenship. Create badges or certificates  in Canva or Google Slides.

• Give students a chance to teach classmates a tech tip or tool they’ve mastered.

  

  
  

  These five focus areas promote student engagement and responsible technology use throughout the year. Consistent reinforcement is key for lasting success and a positive classroom tech culture.

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