"Be the one who disturbs": digital in the classroom, against all odds

Do you feel that incorporating digital into your classroom is impossible, for all kinds of good reasons? Here is the case of a teacher who ignored it!

Questioning the traditional approach to teaching, this secondary 3 and 4 history teacher from the Gaspé wanted to use mobile technologies to mobilize and further motivate her students, natives of the digital age. The computers of the mobile park being in demand, it privileged the approach Bring your personal device (Bring your own device). A survey had also quickly made him realize that students had enough devices at home to bring to school.

Gradually constituting a content bank (digital and traditional), it carried out educational activities that the students completed in their home notebooks. The activity books and manuals, which she said "give" the content, were then left aside. Of course, she now works more outside of class, but can step aside in class to make room for students who have more responsibilities.

Many challenges to overcome

Often alone in her process, the lack of support and resources represented a major challenge for her. Barely benefiting from the presence of an advisor, it has overcome challenges such as the heterogeneity of the operating systems of the devices thanks to its autonomy, its reading and the use of tutorials.

In the absence of infrastructure, it was also long and complex to obtain a wireless network as well as a formal framework outlining its practice. Living with the label of “the inconvenient”, due to the use of devices prohibited in other classes, was also an obstacle to manage.

Fearing difficulties in class management, she was able to counter the negative effects by raising awareness and signing a protocol for use by the students. It also controls the router itself, so everyone can concentrate on their tasks when they access the Internet.

Thus, despite these pitfalls, the teacher would not go back. Making more connections with the subject and asking more questions, the students gain autonomy and are more engaged in their learning process. The ultimate goal is therefore achieved.

Its story is part of the CEFRIO study on digital uses in Quebec schools. In 2014, the report drew up the portrait of this teacher who dared to establish a technological infrastructure without real financial or technical support. Although it is already a few years old, it still feels like history could repeat itself in a classroom near you ...