“Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important.” ~ Bill Gates
In my book, The 30 Goals Challenge for Teachers, I describe the many ways in which technology has impacted our traditions, rituals, communication, language, relationships, values, and learning. We have a generation of digital learners who have had very little guidance on how to navigate the web. They also don’t feel the weight of their responsibility because every act on the web has the potential to go viral and definitely has an audience. Below are some tips to help you integrate technology effectively. Feel free to download the slides and share them with your staff. Keep scrolling to access the bookmarks.
A Few Tips
- Discover what tools your students currently use. Feel free to use my Google Student Survey as a guide.
- Familiarize yourself with the pedagogy and skills needed.
- You’ll find resources on Connectivism, SAMR, and Peeragogy in the bookmarks below. Download the free peeragogy ebook at Peeragogy.org.
- I also recommend reading blogs by Steve Wheeler (@Timbuckteeth) and Kelly Tenkely (@KTenkely).
- Check the technology again right before the lesson. Try to check it at least 30 minutes prior to the lesson.
- When the technology doesn’t work try the following: shut it down, unplug it, reboot it, Google the problem, or ask students for help.
- Have students learn the tools, then train others.
- Have a backup plan that doesn’t involve technology. Checkout this post, 10 ways I Utilize a Computer with No Internet Connection in the Classroom.
- Choose the right tool for the job! Edshelf and Graphite are tool and app search engines for teachers and parents. They also include reviews by teachers.
- Get parents on board with these parent resources.
- Have fun with it! Check out this post on integrating humor in the classroom.
- Be a connected educator. Check out my Survival Tips for Building a PLN!
Bookmarked Resources
Click on any of the boxes in this PearlTree of bookmarks to explore!
If you enjoyed these ideas, you may want to get your copy of The 30 Goals for Teachers or my $5.99 ebook, Learning to Go, which has digital/mobile activities for any device and editable/printable handouts and rubrics. Subscribe for FREE to receive regular updates!
Every Friday I give a free webinar where you receive a certificate from American TESOL! Over 100 are archived and free to use and share.
