Taking Turns With Technology
Students learn and practice a fair turn-taking system for sharing classroom computers or tablets safely and respectfully.
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Why We Share Devices
A classroom may have fewer computers or tablets than students. Sharing lets everyone have time to learn, create, and play. Taking turns also shows respect. We listen to classmates, wait calmly, and take care of the device together. Imagine that Ava and Ben want to use one tablet. Ava uses it first while Ben watches and waits. When Ava’s turn ends, she stops, closes her activity, and carefully passes the tablet to Ben. Ben says, “Thank you.” Both students get a fair chance. Sharing does not always mean using the device at the same time. It means following a plan so each person knows when a turn begins and ends.
Spot the Sharing Problem
Before we choose a solution, we must notice the problem. Look for clues and ask questions. Is someone grabbing the device? Is one person using it for a very long time? Does the next person know when the turn will end? Listen to each student’s words and feelings. For example, Mia is drawing on a computer, but Leo reaches for the mouse before Mia is finished. Mia says, “Please wait. I am still using it.” The problem is not the drawing activity. The problem is that there is no clear signal for changing turns. The class can gather information by asking, “Who is using the device now?” and “How will we know when it is time to switch?”
Choose Fair Classroom Rules
Class rules help everyone know what to do. Students and the teacher can talk together and agree on fair rules. A good rule is clear, safe, and easy to follow. The class might choose these rules: use clean, dry hands; carry a tablet with two hands; use a timer for each turn; wait without grabbing; and pass the device when the timer rings. Students should listen while others share ideas. For example, Jay suggests a five-minute turn. Rosa asks, “Will everyone have enough time?” The class discusses the idea and chooses a turn length that works for the activity. Once the rules are chosen, everyone follows them. The same rules should apply to every student.
Practice With a Turn Card
A turn card is a simple tool that shows who uses the device now and who goes next. Write or place the current user’s name on the “My Turn” side. Put the waiting student’s name on the “Next Turn” side. Start the timer. The waiting student may watch quietly, work on another task, or help only if the user asks. When the timer rings, the current user saves or closes the activity. Then the students move the names and carefully pass the device. For example, Sam’s name is under “My Turn,” and Noor’s name is under “Next Turn.” After the ring, Noor receives the device, and Sam moves to the waiting spot. The card makes the order easy to see.
Reflect on Responsible Sharing
After sharing a device, think about what happened. Ask yourself, “Did I follow the rules? Did I listen? Did everyone get a turn? Did we keep the device safe?” Tell your partner one thing that worked well and one thing you could improve. Listen closely when your partner speaks. For example, Elena says, “I waited until the timer rang, but next time I will pass the tablet with two hands.” Her partner says, “I liked that you did not grab it.” If a problem happened, the class can change the plan. Maybe the timer was too quiet or the turns were too short. Responsible sharing means being honest, kind, attentive, and willing to try a better solution next time.
