Managing a classroom full of students can be a challenge on the best of days. Add implementing a new policy to the mix and it can quickly become downright overwhelming, especially when it involves something like cell phones!
But there is a way to smooth the path to adoption. The key is clear communication, repeated and reinforced multiple times during the school day.
This post explores how Vivi helps you implement and maintain a new policy successfully, by keeping students and teachers on the same page. We are using a sample cell phone policy to illustrate what this might look like, but it will work for any new (or revised) policy.
The scenario: Rolling out a new cell phone policy
Cell phones in the classroom present a complex challenge. Schools are trying to balance the benefits of technology with minimizing distractions. Some schools are using a color-coded system for cell phone use, allowing teachers to decide what works best each day. Here’s how they work:
- Red: Phones and headphones must be put away and silenced.
- Yellow: Phones can be used for specific learning activities as directed by the teacher.
- Green: Devices are permitted for learning as long as they don’t disrupt the classroom or disturb other students.
While this system offers clarity and flexibility, implementing and maintaining it effectively presents unique challenges:
- Encouraging student adoption: Transitioning to a new cell phone policy requires clear communication and support. As Barbara Burchard, Chief Technology Officer at Elmore County Schools, explains:
“When we introduce something new, it’s not a mandate… When they see others using it successfully, they want to use it, too.”
Allowing time for gradual adoption helps students and staff embrace the policy naturally.
- Ensuring consistent application: Teachers may interpret and apply the policy differently, highlighting the need for clear guidelines and professional development. While a teacher can determine what’s right for their classroom, “green” should mean the same thing in every classroom in the school.
- Communicating effectively: Reaching all students and staff with consistent and accessible information about the policy is essential. Note, parents need to be informed as well, but here we are focused on communication that happens at school.
- Maintaining long-term awareness: Keeping the policy top-of-mind throughout the school year requires ongoing reinforcement and communication strategies.
These challenges demonstrate the need for a comprehensive approach that facilitates clear communication, supports consistent policy implementation, and fosters a shared understanding among all members of the school community.
Classroom cell phone policies: Vivi’s role in school communication
Ready to take control of your school’s cell phone policy? Vivi empowers you to communicate effectively and build a shared understanding with your school community. Let’s explore how Vivi’s features can help you achieve your goals.
Digital signage: A visual reminder
Vivi’s digital signage makes it easy to reinforce your cell phone policy with visually engaging reminders. Create and schedule eye-catching displays in high-traffic areas, like the cafeteria or hallways. Signage on screens in common areas can be used to define—and remind–what red, yellow, and green mean.
Learn more about Vivi Digital Signage
Classroom signage: Setting clear expectations
Start each class with clear expectations using Vivi’s splash screen. Teachers can easily share the day’s cell phone status (red, yellow, or green) directly on the classroom display at the start of every class. A quick glance at the screen – a green light, for example – tells students that devices are permitted for that lesson, provided they’re used responsibly. This simple practice promotes transparency and ensures everyone understands the expectations from the start, fostering consistency across classrooms.
Text announcements: Direct and timely communication
Need to remind everyone about the cell phone policy before an assembly? With Vivi’s text announcement feature, you can send a quick message like, “Reminder: Phones on Red for today’s assembly. Thanks!” Keep everyone informed and minimize disruptions with timely, targeted announcements.
Video announcements: Building a shared understanding
Principals can use Vivi’s video announcement feature to address the school on the cell phone policy. A short, engaging message can explain the policy’s importance and encourage students to take ownership of their learning environment, fostering a positive culture where everyone respects the guidelines.
Learn more about Vivi Announcements
Beyond cell phones: Expanding Vivi’s impact
Vivi’s capabilities extend far beyond managing cell phone policies. Think of it as your school’s central communication hub, equipped to handle a wide range of initiatives. Need to send out an urgent notification? Promote the next school play? Share important academic updates with parents? Celebrate student achievements school-wide? Vivi can do it all.
Its flexible features are designed to adapt to your school’s unique needs and communication style. From eye-catching digital signage in the hallways to targeted text messages that reach parents instantly, Vivi empowers you to build a connected and informed school community.
Want to explore strategies for creating a positive and engaging learning environment – even with devices present?
Check out our other blog post: The Secret to Classroom Engagement? (Hint: It’s Not Just Banning Phones).
Vivi: Empowering school communication
Implementing school policies, like those for cell phones, can be challenging. Vivi empowers schools to overcome communication hurdles, ensuring everyone stays informed and connected. Vivi simplifies new initiatives and fosters a stronger community. Ready to experience the difference? Book a demo today to get started.
