Ten Things Every Teacher Should Know about Technology

I'm working my way through a master's degree in Library Media Studies, and this blog will contain my reflections for a course I'm taking, Emerging Technology for Libraries.

One interesting thing I read was a thread started by K Olson, asking for general technology tips. For class, we wrote our own versions. Here's mine:

1.

Experiment and play: Teachers need time to fool around with resources, just like kids do. We need to explore all the possibilities of the app or website, so we can troubleshoot and use the program to its full advantage. Unfortunately, many teachers skip this step because of time concerns.

2.

Back-up plans: Inevitably, something will go wrong, and it will go wrong in front of a group of students. Know what you will do if your plan won’t work, either using different technology or a lesson without any technology.

3.

Inch by inch: It’s overwhelming to get tons of information at once, especially if you’re new to technology use. We can focus on one thing at a time until we’re comfortable with that new learning.

4.

Students are often the experts: In many situations, students know as much or more about the technology we use. They have instincts we have to learn (the whole ‘digital native’ thing), and have had time to experiment. We need to let go of having full control and let them participate in troubleshooting and coming up with new learning possibilities.

5.

Check help sections: When you’re investigating a new resource, it’s worth your time to see which questions are frequently asked by others, and the answers that are given.

6.

Observe teachers who have the skills you want to learn: So much can be gained by observation. It’s one thing to hear how to do something, and it’s another to watch it in action, performed by an expert. You can learn along with the kids.

7.

Technology assists with differentiated instruction: Many programs can be used at different levels, whether it’s assistive technology for the hearing impaired or more challenging links for the student who wants to go further with a subject.

8.

Create your own professional development: Whether it’s a Twitter discussion or an RSS feed for blogs, we can keep up with changes through discussions with others.

9.

Using technology doesn’t improve instruction all by itself: Teachers need to know effective ways for children to learn with technology, and not just rely on games to reinforce learning.

10.

Use technology to share learning with parents: If your school allows it, post students work on a blog or wiki or other platform. Parents can watch Power Points, listen to podcasts, view artwork, and much more.