When Classroom Management, Technology, and Institutional Structures Collide: The Sociomateriality of Electronic Behavior Management Platforms

• In Event: The Influence of Administration, Teachers, Technology, and Deficit Thinking on Students and Classroom Management

Abstract

In the hopes of fostering positive behavior among students, many schools are turning toward schoolwide platforms for supporting classroom management. These platforms promise to help educators manage token economies, provide praise and feedback, and communicate with parents or other educators. Although increasingly popular, the uses of such technologies has been little studied. Accordingly, this comparative case study examines the uses of two platforms at three schools. It describes some of the benefits and drawbacks of such platforms for classroom practices, parent communication, and teacher collaboration. Further, it shines light on the ways in which local sensemaking about technological and institutional structures may influence educator practice.

Authors

• Vincent Cho

• Benjamin S Riden, The Pennsylvania State University

• Kaitlyn F Tuthill, Boston College

• Katrina Borowiec, Boston College