My "10 Things Every Teacher Should Know About Technology" list was created back in January as I began LBS850, Emerging Technologies For Libraries. I knew I had so much to learn and couldn't have imagined just how right I was. I opened my list this week and after reading it with a slight feeling of nostalgia along with a great feeling of relief at realizing I've made it through. I want to be the kind of teacher who lives by these suggestions; an educator who puts the needs of the students first and foremost. This means putting aside any fears that I may have about not knowing as much as my students in using new technology. They have grown up with this and also have the time that I would cherish to experiment and learn about each new application. I need to remember that the whole purpose is to learn and to continue to learn, even if that means alongside the students. So with this in mind:
1. Be adventurous. Technology is new to all at first. Keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to try something new even if you and your students learn it together. Shelving a new technology until time allows you to learn it prior to introducing it to your students may result in a dusty shelf worn application that you'll never use and your students will miss out on.
2. Be informed. Something new is always in the wings. Learn about what technologies are available and how they can fit into your lesson plans.
3. Be prepared. Do a trial run to work out any problems and still be ready with an alternate lesson in case the lesson doesn’t go as planned. In fact, be ready with a Plan C as well.
4. Be humble. Admit it when you’re overwhelmed and don’t be afraid or too embarrassed to ask for help.
5. Be cautious. Before giving free rein to your students, help them to become responsible internet users by teaching safe internet use.
6. Be patient. You won’t learn it all as quickly as you would like. Take technology one step at a time.
7. Be thorough. Don’t incorporate technology into your lesson for its own sake without keeping in mind the pedagogy behind it.
8. Be creative. When utilizing PowerPoint, Publisher, or other programs to create a presentation, don’t stop at its creation. Develop the students’ art of presenting their work, as well as their art of creating it.
9. Be curious. Open yourself up to whatever is new in technology and be as curious as a child when trying out something new. Look for opportunities to join others who are learning new technology through workshops or PD.
10. Be persuasive. It will become your job to convince even the most skeptical staff and teachers of the benefits of using available technologies to improve the learning environment of the students and prepare them for their future as lifelong 21st Century learners. Invite them to see how you have incorporated a certain technology into your lessons and offer them your help to do the same in their classrooms.
2. Be informed. Something new is always in the wings. Learn about what technologies are available and how they can fit into your lesson plans.
3. Be prepared. Do a trial run to work out any problems and still be ready with an alternate lesson in case the lesson doesn’t go as planned. In fact, be ready with a Plan C as well.
4. Be humble. Admit it when you’re overwhelmed and don’t be afraid or too embarrassed to ask for help.
5. Be cautious. Before giving free rein to your students, help them to become responsible internet users by teaching safe internet use.
6. Be patient. You won’t learn it all as quickly as you would like. Take technology one step at a time.
7. Be thorough. Don’t incorporate technology into your lesson for its own sake without keeping in mind the pedagogy behind it.
8. Be creative. When utilizing PowerPoint, Publisher, or other programs to create a presentation, don’t stop at its creation. Develop the students’ art of presenting their work, as well as their art of creating it.
9. Be curious. Open yourself up to whatever is new in technology and be as curious as a child when trying out something new. Look for opportunities to join others who are learning new technology through workshops or PD.
10. Be persuasive. It will become your job to convince even the most skeptical staff and teachers of the benefits of using available technologies to improve the learning environment of the students and prepare them for their future as lifelong 21st Century learners. Invite them to see how you have incorporated a certain technology into your lessons and offer them your help to do the same in their classrooms.
Great edits, Deborah! And your point about learning, even alongside the students is wonderful.
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