Using graphics in the classroom
It seems as if there may be some real talk going on among teachers about cell phone as a distraction. At first glance, I felt like I was the only one who love/hated these things. I, for one, am connected on social media and carry my phone with me (mostly for those calls I get from the elementary school nurse that one of my children have fallen on the playground....don't worry they are always fine....just rub some dirt on it ;)
Anyway, I was creating posters to post in my classroom about screens to illustrate the importance of being present not just present...a concept that we discuss as a prerequisite of the class and my expectations. I wanted them to having a daily reminder to be present in the classroom without me reminding them (very subliminal, I know). It does work to some degree. But there are a few that fight it and can't fight the urge to get out their phones and have FOMO (fear of missing out).
Here's a design I created using Photoshop and a licensed stock photo I purchased for legal use.
I loved the poster, but it printed out kind of dark. I need to redo it but haven't gotten around to lightening it to reprint.
Here is one that I created with google drawings for an online class:
I know that a lot of our students are visual learners and this gives them pause for a gentle remind about expectations and opening them up to the world around them.
I have heard some rumblings of teachers at their breaking point of having to compete with phones in class. Asking them to put it away does not seem to be an option anymore, but I don't think we can punish our way out of this problem.
What do you think?
Anyway, I was creating posters to post in my classroom about screens to illustrate the importance of being present not just present...a concept that we discuss as a prerequisite of the class and my expectations. I wanted them to having a daily reminder to be present in the classroom without me reminding them (very subliminal, I know). It does work to some degree. But there are a few that fight it and can't fight the urge to get out their phones and have FOMO (fear of missing out).
Here's a design I created using Photoshop and a licensed stock photo I purchased for legal use.
I loved the poster, but it printed out kind of dark. I need to redo it but haven't gotten around to lightening it to reprint.
Here is one that I created with google drawings for an online class:
I know that a lot of our students are visual learners and this gives them pause for a gentle remind about expectations and opening them up to the world around them.
I have heard some rumblings of teachers at their breaking point of having to compete with phones in class. Asking them to put it away does not seem to be an option anymore, but I don't think we can punish our way out of this problem.
What do you think?
I love your poster! I don't really have the cellphone issue in the elementary world, but I could see this being a problem. Your graphic is more appealing because of your color choice and minimal designs on the page. I'm sure many of your colleagues will want this poster too. :) -Melissa Madden
ReplyDeleteGreat job on your poster! Good color choice and not wordy - right to the point. I would like to post in my classroom if you don't mind.
ReplyDeleteI really like your poster! Cell phones are such an issue at the high school level. Though once asked, students will put them away promptly . . . usually :). I agree with Michelle, the graphic is great because it isn't too busy and as Suzanne stated - it gets right to the point. I would also like to post in my room if that is okay.
ReplyDeleteShelby,
ReplyDeleteWhat personal creativity is shown through you taking initiative and making your own posters for the classroom. I should give this a try, seeing as though I'm always looking for specific photos and posters to just digitally magnify and print, but sometimes don't find what I'm looking for. I think it's great that the posters above give students a reminder about phone usage in class. Do you find that regulating phone usage is hard in your class, thus causing you to make this poster? Do you make any posters that are used for more content-based purposes? That might be a good next step.
Nice work!
I love your poster as well. Although this would not really be something I would use in first grade since they don't have cellphone issues but I think this could be hung around anywhere now days. People have become so reliant on cellphones and its really sad when you go out to lunch and see people constantly looking at their phones instead of talking with the people they are with. Maybe more restaurants should hang these? Just a food for thought.
ReplyDeleteShelby, your graphics are wonderful. As for the question you asked, about competing with phones, I think we need to harness the power of the tool. If we are using phones for formative assessment, learning, and academic communication we are using the tool well. We need to teach kids how to use them for learning. They already know how to use them for entertainment and social communication. You can send links out and communicate with Remind and you can use Poll Everywhere to text in formative assessment answers. If we use the tool for good, it will be less of a problem for teachers.
ReplyDelete