Device Neutral Assignments

DNA for BYOD

Why DNA?

There will be many different devices in your classroom with BYOD such as tablets, smartphones, laptops and netbooks along with the school's desktop computers. The operating systems will vary with Windows, Apple, Blackberry and Android devices. Device Neutral Assignments and Activities or "DNA" will work best for all students and allow them to use their device of choice. They will be the most familiar with their own device's capabilitites.

Creating Device Neutral Assignments for BYOD Classes -- THE Journal

Educators don’t have to alter lessons for each device, argues BYOD expert Ron Milliner.

thejournal.com

Some ideas for creating DNA

Allow choice of product. Can students show their learning through a video, website, screencast, essay or presentation?
Co-construct success criteria. If products will be different, what makes a successful product? How will it meet the curriculum expectations?
Use generic descriptions. Instead of requiring "PowerPoint", use "presentation". Instead of requiring "Word", use "text-based" or "word-processing".
Suggest cross-platform services. Many apps and services can be used on all devices. See below for suggestions.
Group students purposely. An activity may require a camera and a computer/laptop--pair a student with a smartphone with another who has a laptop. Conversely, group students with similar devices.
Use the classroom technology. Your document camera can be used to create images, video, etc. During group work, one group can use the class desktop computer.

Excellent cross-platform services

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Evernote

Create and sync notes, images and more across all platforms and devices. Evernote.com

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Socrative

Engage the class in quizzes, games and exit surveys on any device--with or without an app. www.Socrative.com

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Angel

Interactive discussion and lessons, quizzes, drop boxes and more. Access from any browser. Read more here.

Ask THREE before me!

Teachers can't be expected to know how to operate all devices. Having a classroom rule that students must ask three people (in class or online) before approaching the teacher for help promotes independent learning, self-advocasy and collaboration. If you can't answer a student's question, there is probably a forum or Youtube video on the topic, or you can challenge the class to come up with a solution.

Youtube video editing

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QR codes work on any device

Quick access to websites, text, and videos. Include the direct link or a bit.ly shortened link for laptop and netbook users.

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Study Stack

Create and share vocabulary and concept definitions. Many games to study. Can be downloaded to use off line. www.studystack.com

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Edublogs or Kidblog

Blogging is an excellent way to get students to reflect on their and other students' work and create an ePortfolio. The authentic audience motivates students to create a better product. Check out Edublogs For more info on Kidblogs, go to this Smore Flyer.

Voicethreads

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Backchannel

Use TodaysMeet or Twitter to create a backchannel for students to ask each other questions during lessons or group work.

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Wikis

Create a wiki for group projects, class communication or ePortfolio. Choose PBWorks.com or www.wikispaces.com For more info on wikis go to this Smore Flyer.