Blending the Digital with the Traditional
Tips on Implementing the Rocketbook into the Classroom
It’s not a matter of whether or not you are using technology in the classroom today but how. With Chromebooks, iPads, and other similar devices becoming the norm, the question arises, is there is a place for pen and paper in the classroom any longer. Various studies show retention rates are higher for many who utilize hand-written notes, but perhaps a choice does not have to be made between the digital and the traditional. With Rocketbooks, students are able to enjoy all of the benefits of the traditional model of note-taking while storing and organizing their thoughts digitally for ease of sharing, collaborating, and recalling the information at a moment’s notice.
Anytime new technology is introduced, implementation becomes key in whether or not the technology is utilized to its fullest potential. The more valuable question to ask is, how do you as an administrator integrate the Rocketbook in a way that eliminates confusion for the teacher, parent, and student to prevent the Rocketbook from collecting dust on a shelf?
1. Start Small — While it is tempting to think that all of your teachers could utilize the Rocketbook from day 1, it might not be possible for you as an administrator to oversee the process for each classroom. Utilize select teachers or classrooms to pilot the initiative to help you better understand the bugs and challenges your entire school may face. Take the feedback you receive from those teachers and make the necessary changes before attempting to roll out Rocketbooks for everyone. The worst thing you could do is invest in the Rocketbook and then have your teachers fail to use it properly. Bad habits are hard to fix. Piloting it with select teachers first will ensure a much smoother implementation across the board for everyone else.
2. Give Clear Instructions — Parents get confused quickly when new technology is employed at the school. Making it as simple as possible for the parent will help ensure the student receives support at home to utilize the Rocketbook fully. Create a workshop or send out email instructions that include the following to help the parent and student set up the Rocketbook correctly:
a. Download the Rocketbook app.
b. Use your child’s information and school email address to set up an account.
c. Set up the destinations to correspond with your child’s online folders with Google Drive, Drop-Box etc. (Note: It is super helpful for parents and eliminates some of the confusion if you go ahead and designate which icon goes with which folder. For example, the “Arrow” goes with Math, the “Diamond” with Science, the “Apple” with English, etc.)
d. Be sure to scan notes every day and upload through the app.
3. Anticipate Problems — Students do not always appreciate the technology given to them. Inevitably, you will have students who forget a Frixion pen and opt to use a ballpoint pen instead. You are also going to have the student who forgets to share yesterday’s homework with the teacher online and opts to tear a page out of the Rocketbook to submit in class. These types of problems can be reduced by over-communicating with the students. Help them see the value of the Rocketbook and that proper care will enable it to last all year long.
The Rocketbook can revolutionize the learning experience by bridging the ability to take handwritten notes with a digital world. Thinking through a clear implementation plan will help reduce questions and create excitement with teachers, parents, and students as they begin to see all of the advantages the Rocketbook affords.
Adam Vinson is the middle and upper level school principal at Trinity Christian School in Sharpsburg, GA
